Question

2. In lab recently, you have worked on the feeding behavior of shredders (amphipods) on leaves. Although this lab focused on feeding behavior, the interactions that occur on the leaves (microbes) and among the leaves, microbes and amphipods can be related to each level of the ecological hierarchy that you have seen repeatedly during the quarter [10 pts] For each level of the ecological hierarchy, provide ONE relevant example from the leaf-microbe-amphipod system and explain why you have assigned it to that level. [2.5 pts each] a) Organismal

b) Population

c) Community

d) Ecosystem

Answer 1

A) The organismal level of hierarchy in the case of shredders (amphipods) is described by the consumption of leaves and a coarse form of particulate organic forms. It mostly converted these into a minor particulate organic form.

B) The Shredder population in the aquatic environment are preferentially choosing leaf. A detritus food source also dependent on shredder population in population hierarchy.

C) The microbial community here are dependent on shredded leaves as food sources. These make them as detritus component.

D) Invertebrates are dependent on detritus food.