How is Mean Energy Density in the Serengeti Calculated?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The mean energy density in the Serengeti is calculated using the total weight of ungulates that die annually, estimated at 4 x 10^7 kg, and their mass-specific energy content of 7 x 10^6 J kg^-1. This results in a mean energy density of 31 J m^-2 day^-1 when the total energy is divided by the area of 25,000 km^2. The calculation involves multiplying the total weight by the energy content and then converting the area to square meters for accurate density measurement. The discrepancy noted by participants in the discussion relates to unit conversions and proper application of the formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of energy density calculations
  • Familiarity with unit conversions in physics
  • Knowledge of ecological metrics related to ungulate populations
  • Basic grasp of scientific literature and data interpretation
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the calculation of energy density in ecological studies
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques in scientific calculations
  • Explore the ecological impact of ungulate populations in the Serengeti
  • Investigate the methodologies used in the referenced paper from ScienceDirect
USEFUL FOR

Ecologists, wildlife biologists, students studying environmental science, and researchers interested in energy flow within ecosystems will benefit from this discussion.

killbot2000
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



It has been estimated that a total weight of 4x10^7 kg of ungulates die in the Serengeti each year (Houston, 1979). We assume that these have an mass-specific energy content of 7x10^6J kg^-1 (Peters, 1983), and that the Serengeti stretches over 25,000 km^2 (Sinclair and Norton-Griffiths, 1979) This gives a mean energy density of 31 Jm^-2 day^-1

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm struggling to see how the authors get their final figure of 31 joules per metre squared per day. Presumably it's the total weight multiplied by the mass specific energy content and that divided over the land area. I don't get their answer when I do this.


Any insight would be much appreciated.

It's from the appendix of this paper http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022519304000542
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No idea where I was going wrong but thanks for that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
23
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
7K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K