Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not?

The study of energy flow and nutrient cycling processes revolve around animals to a larger extent. For instance, the energy flow from the sun is imperative in the production of food substances (through photosynthesis) consumed by animals. Moreover, animals complete the ecosystem, especially in matters such as a food chain and food web. There is heavy interdependence that exists between animals and plants. Additionally, a nutrient cycle like a carbon cycle requires animals to exhale carbon dioxide, which is required by plants for photosynthesis. This level of importance makes it relevant to study animals in the ecosystem irrespective of the minuscule amount of energy that they contain.

Answer by Academic.tip's expert
An answer to this question is provided by one of our experts who specializes in biology. Let us know how much you liked it and give it a rating.

Cite this page

Select a citation style:

References

Academic.Tips. (2022) 'Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not'. 3 February.

Reference

Academic.Tips. (2022, February 3). Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not? https://academic.tips/question/animals-generally-contain-only-a-minuscule-fraction-of-the-energy-water-and-nutrients-present-in-nearly-all-ecosystems-does-this-mean-they-are-trivial-ecosystem-components-that-we-can-ignore-when-w/

References

Academic.Tips. 2022. "Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not?" February 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/animals-generally-contain-only-a-minuscule-fraction-of-the-energy-water-and-nutrients-present-in-nearly-all-ecosystems-does-this-mean-they-are-trivial-ecosystem-components-that-we-can-ignore-when-w/.

1. Academic.Tips. "Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not?" February 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/animals-generally-contain-only-a-minuscule-fraction-of-the-energy-water-and-nutrients-present-in-nearly-all-ecosystems-does-this-mean-they-are-trivial-ecosystem-components-that-we-can-ignore-when-w/.


Bibliography


Academic.Tips. "Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not?" February 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/animals-generally-contain-only-a-minuscule-fraction-of-the-energy-water-and-nutrients-present-in-nearly-all-ecosystems-does-this-mean-they-are-trivial-ecosystem-components-that-we-can-ignore-when-w/.

Work Cited

"Animals generally contain only a minuscule fraction of the energy, water, and nutrients present in nearly all ecosystems. Does this mean they are trivial ecosystem components that we can ignore when we study energy flow and nutrient cycling processes? Why or why not?" Academic.Tips, 3 Feb. 2022, academic.tips/question/animals-generally-contain-only-a-minuscule-fraction-of-the-energy-water-and-nutrients-present-in-nearly-all-ecosystems-does-this-mean-they-are-trivial-ecosystem-components-that-we-can-ignore-when-w/.

Copy