10. Suppose that an unknown disease were to

Question

kill all the bacteria and fungi in an
ecosystem.
(a) Predict how this would affect nutrient
cycling in the ecosystem.
(b) Predict what would happen to energy
flow in the ecosystem.
short answer

Answer 1

(a) The elimination of all bacteria and fungi would severely disrupt nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. These microorganisms play essential roles in decomposition, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Without them, the breakdown of dead plant and animal material would be significantly slowed, leading to an accumulation of organic waste, depletion of essential nutrients, and reduced soil fertility. This would hinder plant growth and affect the entire food web reliant on nutrient availability.

(b) Energy flow in the ecosystem would also be negatively impacted. Plants would struggle to obtain essential nutrients for photosynthesis and growth, leading to a decline in primary production. As primary producers diminish, fewer herbivores would survive, resulting in a collapse of population dynamics through the food chain. Ultimately, energy flow would decrease significantly, leading to a less productive and less diverse ecosystem.