What is the ecological definition of biomass?

In ecology, biomass refers to the total mass of living biological organisms within a specific area or ecosystem at a particular point in time. This measurement can encompass all species within an ecosystem or focus on one or more specific species, including microorganisms, plants, and animals.

What are the different ways biomass can be measured or expressed?

Biomass can be quantified in several ways depending on the context. It can be measured as the wet weight of organisms as they naturally exist, the dried organic mass (excluding water content), or specifically as the mass of organic carbon, excluding inorganic components like bones or shells.

What was the estimated total live biomass of Earth in 2018, and what kingdom constitutes the majority of it?

According to a 2018 study, Earth's total live biomass was estimated at approximately 550 billion tonnes of carbon. The vast majority of this biomass is found in plants (Plantae).

How does the biomass pyramid typically differ between terrestrial and marine ecosystems?

In terrestrial ecosystems, biomass generally decreases significantly at each higher trophic level, forming a pyramid shape with producers at the base. In contrast, marine ecosystems can exhibit inverted biomass pyramids, where the biomass of consumers, such as zooplankton, may be greater than that of the primary producers (phytoplankton).

What is an ecological pyramid, and what do its different types represent?

An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation illustrating the relationship between biomass or biological productivity and trophic levels within an ecosystem. A biomass pyramid shows the amount of biomass at each trophic level, while a productivity pyramid depicts the production or turnover rate of biomass at each level.

Why are productivity pyramids generally not inverted, unlike biomass pyramids in some aquatic environments?

Productivity pyramids are typically not inverted because the energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, with about 90% lost as heat or used in metabolic processes, leaving only about 10% to form new biomass. This consistent energy loss prevents higher trophic levels from accumulating more biomass than lower ones based on productivity alone.

Describe the typical structure of a terrestrial biomass pyramid.

A terrestrial biomass pyramid typically shows a marked decrease in biomass at each successive trophic level. For instance, plants (producers) have the largest biomass, followed by herbivores (primary consumers), then smaller carnivores (secondary consumers), and finally apex predators (tertiary consumers) at the top with the least biomass.

How can changes in plant species composition affect soil decomposer communities?

Alterations in the types of plant species within a terrestrial ecosystem can lead to changes in the biomass and composition of the soil decomposer communities that rely on those plants for nutrients.

What is the primary producer at the base of most marine food chains?

The primary producers at the base of most marine food chains are phytoplankton, which are microscopic marine algae that perform photosynthesis.

What is the typical sequence of organisms in a marine food chain, as described in the text?

A typical marine food chain starts with phytoplankton, followed by zooplankton (which consume phytoplankton), then larger predatory zooplankton or small filter-feeding fish, followed by larger predatory fish, marine mammals, or seabirds, and potentially apex predators at the highest level.

What are copepods and krill, and what role do they play in the marine food web?

Copepods and krill are types of zooplankton. Copepods are small crustaceans, while krill are larger crustaceans. They form a significant part of the second trophic level in marine food webs, consuming phytoplankton and being preyed upon by larger organisms.

What is *Prochlorococcus*, and why is it considered significant in marine ecosystems?

*Prochlorococcus* is a type of marine cyanobacteria and one of the smallest photosynthetic organisms. It is significant because it is possibly the most abundant species on Earth, found in vast numbers in the oceans, and contributes significantly to the Earth's atmospheric oxygen and the base of the marine food chain.

What is the estimated global biomass of prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea)?

Estimates for the global biomass of prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea combined) have varied, but recent studies suggest it is around 30 billion tonnes of carbon. This biomass is largely found in subsurface environments.

How have estimates of prokaryotic biomass in deep subseafloor sediments changed over time?

Initial estimates from a 1998 study suggested a very large biomass for prokaryotes in deep subseafloor sediments (around 300 billion tonnes C). However, updated measurements from a 2012 study significantly reduced this estimate to about 4 billion tonnes C, based on lower estimates of prokaryotic abundance and average weight.

What percentage of the Earth's total biomass is represented by animals?

Animals constitute a relatively small fraction of the Earth's total biomass, representing less than 0.5%, with a total estimated biomass of about 2 billion tonnes of carbon.

What proportion of the total animal biomass on Earth is found on land?

Land animals account for approximately 500 million tonnes of carbon, which is about 20% of the total biomass of animals on Earth.

What is the biomass distribution of mammals on Earth, according to a specific study?

A study indicated that humans and their domesticated livestock constitute 96% of the total biomass of mammals on Earth, while wild mammals represent only the remaining 4%.

What is the estimated biomass of fish in the world's oceans?

The biomass of fish in the world's oceans is estimated to be around 0.7 billion tonnes of carbon. A significant portion of this is mesopelagic fish, which inhabit deep, dark waters during the day.

What is the estimated biomass of marine mammals?

Marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, account for a small fraction of marine biomass, estimated at about 0.006 billion tonnes of carbon.

What is the total global net primary production?

The total global net primary production, which is the rate at which new biomass is generated, is estimated to be approximately 104.9 billion tonnes of carbon per year, with terrestrial habitats contributing slightly more than oceanic ones.

How is global primary production estimated using satellite data?

Global primary production is estimated using satellite observations by scanning the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) over land and sea-surface chlorophyll levels over oceans.

Which terrestrial ecosystems have the highest biomass productivity rates?

Among terrestrial ecosystems, swamps and marshes exhibit the highest biomass productivity rates, followed closely by tropical rainforests and coral reefs, all producing significant amounts of new biomass per unit area annually.

How does the biomass of oceanic primary producers compare to their annual production rate?

Although oceanic primary producers, like phytoplankton, account for nearly half of the total annual primary production, their standing stock (total biomass) is very small, representing only about 0.2% of the total global biomass.

What is the estimated biomass of terrestrial arthropods, and where is most of it found?

Terrestrial arthropods have an estimated biomass of about 150 million tonnes of carbon, with the majority of this biomass being found in the topsoil.

What is the biomass of humans and domesticated mammals compared to wild terrestrial mammals?

Humans and domesticated mammals together account for about 170 million tonnes of carbon (80 million tonnes for humans and 90 million tonnes for domesticated mammals), significantly outweighing the biomass of wild terrestrial mammals, which is only about 3 million tonnes of carbon.

What is 'technomass', and how does it compare to living biomass?

Technomass refers to the mass of human-made materials. A 2020 study projected that by the year 2020, technomass would surpass all living biomass on Earth, with plastic alone exceeding the combined mass of all land and marine animals.

What is the biomass of ants on Earth, and how does it compare to other groups?

The biomass of ants on Earth is estimated to be between 10 to 100 million tonnes of dry weight. This is a substantial amount, comparable to or exceeding the biomass of wild mammals and birds.

What is the estimated biomass of earthworms globally?

The global biomass of earthworms is estimated to be around 400 million tonnes of dry weight, making them a significant component of terrestrial soil ecosystems.

What is the biomass of termites globally?

The global biomass of termites is estimated to be around 100 million tonnes of dry weight, though this figure may require citation for verification. They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling in many terrestrial ecosystems.

What is the estimated biomass of nematodes globally?

The global biomass of nematodes is estimated to be around 60 million tonnes of dry weight, with a significant portion found in the soil. They are crucial for soil health and nutrient cycling.

What is the biomass of fish in the oceans, and what type constitutes roughly half of it?

The biomass of fish in the oceans is estimated at 0.7 billion tonnes of carbon. Roughly half of this biomass is composed of mesopelagic fish, such as lanternfish, which live in the deep ocean.

What was the estimated biomass of blue whales before widespread whaling, and what is it now?

Before widespread whaling, the biomass of blue whales was estimated at 36 million tonnes. Current estimates place the biomass of blue whales at around 3 million tonnes, reflecting the impact of historical whaling practices.

What is the estimated biomass of Antarctic krill?

The estimated biomass of Antarctic krill is substantial, with figures suggesting around 379 million tonnes during peak season. Krill are a vital food source in the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

What is the estimated biomass of copepods in the oceans?

Copepods, a type of zooplankton, are estimated to have a biomass of approximately 1,000 million tonnes in the oceans. They are a critical link in the marine food web.

What is the estimated biomass of cyanobacteria in the oceans?

Cyanobacteria, specifically picoplankton like *Prochlorococcus*, are estimated to have a biomass of around 1,000 million tonnes in the oceans. This highlights their significant role as primary producers.

What is the difference between biomass and productivity in ecological pyramids?

A biomass pyramid represents the standing stock of living matter at each trophic level at a specific time, while a productivity pyramid represents the rate at which new biomass is generated at each level. Productivity pyramids are generally more stable and less likely to be inverted than biomass pyramids.

What is the estimated global biomass of plants?

Plants (Plantae) represent the largest portion of Earth's biomass, with an estimated global biomass of 450 billion tonnes of carbon. This is equivalent to 2700 billion tonnes of wet biomass or 900 billion tonnes of dry biomass.

What is the estimated global biomass of fungi?

Fungi have an estimated global biomass of 12 billion tonnes of carbon, which translates to 80 billion tonnes of wet biomass or 24 billion tonnes of dry biomass.

What is the estimated global biomass of protists?

Protista, a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, have an estimated global biomass of 4 billion tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 25 billion tonnes of wet biomass or 8 billion tonnes of dry biomass.

What is the estimated global biomass of bacteria and archaea combined?

Bacteria and archaea combined have an estimated global biomass of 30 billion tonnes of carbon, which is equivalent to 200 billion tonnes of wet biomass or 60 billion tonnes of dry biomass.

What is the total estimated global biomass of all living organisms on Earth?

The total estimated global biomass of all living organisms on Earth is approximately 500 billion tonnes of carbon, based on a breakdown of biomass by kingdom. This figure is primarily composed of plants.

What is the average biomass productivity of swamps and marshes?

Swamps and marshes exhibit very high biomass productivity rates, estimated at 2,500 grams of carbon per square meter per year. This makes them among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

What is the biomass productivity of tropical rainforests?

Tropical rainforests have a high biomass productivity rate, estimated at 2,000 grams of carbon per square meter per year, contributing significantly to global primary production.

What is the biomass productivity of coral reefs?

Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems, with an estimated biomass productivity rate of 2,000 grams of carbon per square meter per year, similar to tropical rainforests.

What is the biomass productivity of temperate forests?

Temperate forests have a biomass productivity rate estimated at 1,250 grams of carbon per square meter per year.

What is the biomass productivity of cultivated lands?

Cultivated lands have a biomass productivity rate estimated at 650 grams of carbon per square meter per year, reflecting agricultural practices.

What is the biomass productivity of the open ocean?

The open ocean has a biomass productivity rate estimated at 125 grams of carbon per square meter per year. While lower per area than many terrestrial ecosystems, the vastness of the ocean makes its total contribution significant.

What is the biomass productivity of deserts?

Deserts have very low biomass productivity, estimated at only 3 grams of carbon per square meter per year, due to arid conditions limiting plant growth.

What is the relationship between biomass and primary production in oceans versus terrestrial environments?

In oceans, primary producers (phytoplankton) have a fast turnover rate, meaning a small biomass can generate a high rate of primary production. Conversely, terrestrial producers like forests have a slow turnover rate, requiring a much larger biomass to achieve a similar production rate.

What is the estimated total number of prokaryotic cells on Earth?

The estimated number of prokaryotic cells globally is between 11 to 15 octillion (11-15 x 10^29).

What is the estimated total DNA base pairs on Earth, and what is its approximate mass?

The total DNA base pairs on Earth are estimated to be around 5.3 x 10^37, with an approximate mass of 50 billion tonnes. This is sometimes used as an approximation for global biodiversity.

Biomass Ecology Wiki: Earth's Living Weight: A Biomass Exploration

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What is Biomass?

Definition

Biomass represents the total mass of living biological organisms within a defined area or ecosystem at a specific point in time. This measure can encompass the mass of one or more species or the collective mass of all species within a community. It fundamentally includes all forms of life, from microorganisms to plants and animals.

Measurement Methods

The quantification of biomass varies depending on the context. It can be measured as:

Wet Weight: The mass of organisms as they exist naturally, including their water content.
Dry Weight: The mass after water content has been removed, providing a measure of organic material.
Organic Carbon Mass: Specifically, the mass attributed to organic carbon, excluding inorganic components like bones or shells.

Each method offers a different perspective on the total biological material present.

Global Biomass Estimates

Earth's Living Mass

Recent scientific estimates place the total global live biomass at approximately 550 billion tonnes of carbon. The vast majority of this mass is attributed to plant life. While bacteria and archaea constitute a significant portion, their biomass is considerably less than that of plants.

The distribution of biomass across Earth's kingdoms provides critical insights into ecological structure:

Kingdom	Biomass (Billion Tonnes C)	Dry Biomass (Billion Tonnes)	Wet Biomass (Billion Tonnes)
🌱 Plantae	450	900	2700
🦠 Bacteria + Archaea	30	60	200
🍄 Fungi	12	24	80
🦠 Protista	4	8	25
🐾 Animalia	2	4	13
Total	500	1000	3000

Notably, human-made materials now exceed the total mass of all living organisms on Earth.

Human and Livestock Dominance

Within the animal kingdom, humans and their domesticated livestock represent a disproportionately large fraction of the total biomass. Wild mammals, in contrast, constitute a very small percentage of the overall mammalian biomass on the planet, highlighting the significant impact of human activity on global ecosystems.

Ecological Pyramids

Terrestrial Structure

On land, ecological pyramids typically illustrate a sharp decrease in biomass at each successive trophic level. Primary producers, such as forests and grasslands, form the broad base. Herbivores (primary consumers) represent a smaller biomass, followed by carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers) at the apex, with progressively less biomass at each higher level.

Marine Inversions

In contrast to terrestrial ecosystems, marine environments can exhibit inverted biomass pyramids. This phenomenon is often observed where the primary producers are microscopic phytoplankton. Despite their small standing biomass, phytoplankton reproduce rapidly, supporting a larger biomass of zooplankton and higher-level consumers. This rapid turnover rate allows for efficient energy transfer up the food chain.

A typical marine food chain illustrates this structure:

Sun ☀️ → Phytoplankton 🦠 → Zooplankton 🦐 → Filter Feeders 🐟 → Predatory Fish 🦈

The rapid growth rate of phytoplankton is key to supporting the larger biomass found at higher trophic levels in many oceanic systems.

Global Production Rates

Primary Production

Net primary production refers to the rate at which new biomass is generated, primarily through photosynthesis. Globally, this process yields approximately 105 billion tonnes of carbon annually. Terrestrial ecosystems contribute slightly more than oceanic ones to this total.

Terrestrial vs. Oceanic

Terrestrial habitats generate about 56.4 billion tonnes of carbon per year, while oceanic habitats produce around 48.5 billion tonnes of carbon annually. Despite the oceans' smaller contribution to total annual production, their primary producers, like phytoplankton, have a much faster turnover rate compared to terrestrial producers such as forests.

Productivity rates vary significantly across different ecosystems:

Producer Type	Productivity (gC/m²/yr)	Area (million km²)	Total Production (Billion Tonnes C/yr)
Tropical rainforests	2,000	8	16
Temperate forests	1,250	19	24
Open ocean	125	311	39
Swamps and marshes	2,500	5.7	~0
Coral reefs	2,000	0.28	0.56

Key Organisms and Biomass

Phytoplankton and Microbes

Phytoplankton, microscopic marine algae, are the primary producers in oceanic food webs. Organisms like Prochlorococcus, a type of cyanobacteria, are incredibly abundant, potentially numbering in the octillions globally. They play a crucial role in oxygen production and form the base of marine food chains. Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) collectively represent a substantial biomass, particularly in subsurface environments.

Animalia's Share

Animals constitute less than 0.5% of Earth's total biomass. In marine environments, arthropods like copepods and krill are significant contributors, alongside various fish species. Terrestrially, arthropods, especially those in soil, are abundant. Mammals, particularly humans and livestock, dominate terrestrial animal biomass, far exceeding that of wild mammals.

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References

IPCC 2006, 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Prepared by the National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme, Eggleston H.S., Buendia L., Miwa K., Ngara T. and Tanabe K. (eds). Published: IGES, Japan.

Sum of [(biomass mâ22)*(area m2)] from table 3 in Sanderson, M.G. 1996 Biomass of termites and their emissions of methane and carbon dioxide: A global database Global Biochemical Cycles, Vol 10:4 543â557

Mark Spalding, Corinna Ravilious, and Edmund Green. 2001. World Atlas of Coral Reefs. Berkeley, California: University of California Press and UNEP/WCMC.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Biomass (ecology) Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional scientific advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional ecological consultation or rigorous scientific study. Always refer to primary scientific literature and consult with qualified experts for specific research or application needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Earth's Living Weight

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Biomass? ⚖️

🌱 Definition

📏 Measurement Methods

Global Biomass Estimates 📊

🌍 Earth's Living Mass

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Human and Livestock Dominance

Ecological Pyramids 🔼

🌳 Terrestrial Structure

🌊 Marine Inversions

Global Production Rates ⚡

☀️ Primary Production

🌐 Terrestrial vs. Oceanic

Key Organisms and Biomass 🔬

🦠 Phytoplankton and Microbes

🐾 Animalia's Share

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Biomass?

Definition

Measurement Methods

Global Biomass Estimates

Earth's Living Mass

Human and Livestock Dominance

Ecological Pyramids

Terrestrial Structure

Marine Inversions

Global Production Rates

Primary Production

Terrestrial vs. Oceanic

Key Organisms and Biomass

Phytoplankton and Microbes

Animalia's Share

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice