Which one of the following correctly shows the total estimated biomass of the lifeforms on Earth given here, in increasing order?
Viruses < Fungi < Bacteria
Biomass Order of Earth's Lifeforms
The question asks us to arrange three types of lifeforms found on Earth based on their estimated total biomass, from the least to the greatest.
Biomass refers to the total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume. When considering the entire Earth, scientists estimate the total biomass of different life forms like plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Let's consider the general estimated total biomass for the lifeforms mentioned:
- Viruses: Viruses are extremely small and depend on host cells to reproduce. While numerous, their individual mass is very low. The total estimated biomass of viruses on Earth is relatively small compared to other life forms.
- Fungi: Fungi, including mushrooms, yeasts, and molds, form large networks (like mycelia) in soil and other environments. Their total biomass is substantial, playing a significant role in ecosystems, particularly as decomposers.
- Bacteria: Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms found in nearly every environment on Earth, from soil and water to the human body and deep subsurface rocks. Their sheer numbers and widespread presence contribute to a very large total biomass.
Based on current scientific estimates, the relative total biomass of these groups is generally considered to be:
- Viruses have a much lower total biomass than Fungi.
- Fungi have a lower total biomass than Bacteria.
Therefore, the total estimated biomass of these lifeforms in increasing order is:
Viruses $\lt$ Fungi $\lt$ Bacteria
This order reflects the scale and abundance of these life forms across the planet's diverse habitats.
Important Questions from Ecosystem Ecology
Which of the following describes the littoral zone?
1. The zone at the edge of a lake or ocean which is alternatively exposed to air and immersed in water
2. The zone at the middle of a lake or ocean which is alternatively exposed to air and immersed in water
3. The zone at the both the ends of a lake which is alternatively exposed to air and immersed in water
Which of the following constitute the largest reservoir of carbon in the global carbon cycle?
Which one of the following represents the largest outflux of nitrogen from the atmospheric reservoir?
The largest reservoir of nitrogen in the global nitrogen cycle is the atmosphere. Options A‐D below represent important pathways in the removal of nitrogen from the atmosphere at different rates.
A. Biological fixation in oceans
B. Fixation by lightning
C. Biological fixation in natural terrestrial systems
D. Industrial nitrogen fixation
Arrange the above pathways from the lowest to the highest rate.
In which of the following ecosystems would the largest percentage of Net Primary Productivity (NPP) be taken up by the grazing food chain?
