B16-Ecosystems

Question 1

Producer

Answer 1

Producers are organisms that can produce biomass (organic materiel) for themselves. Most producers do this using photosynthesis

Question 2

Consumers

Answer 2

Consumers are organisms that have to consume (‘eat’) other organisms

Question 3

Predator

Answer 3

A predator is an animal that eats other animals

Question 4

Prey

Answer 4

An animal that is hunted and killed by another for food

Question 5

Why must materiel in the living world be recycled?

Answer 5

Materiel in the living world is recycled to provide building blocks for future organisms

Question 6

What chemical elements are recycled when animals and plants decay?

Answer 6

Decay of dead animals and plants by microorganisms returns carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and mineral ions to the soil

Question 7

Who uses carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and what for?

Answer 7

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is used by plants in photosynthesis

Question 8

Why is the water cycle important?

Answer 8

The water cycle provides fresh water for plants and animals on land before draining into the seas. Water is continuously evaporated, condensed, and precipitated

Question 9

What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

Answer 9

Green plants and algae remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis. They use the carbon from carbon dioxide to make carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These make up the biomass of the plants and algae. The carbon is passed on through food chains to animals including primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers. This is how carbon is taken out of the environment.

Question 10

What is the role of respiration in the carbon cycle?

Answer 10

Living organisms respire all the time. They use oxygen to break down glucose, providing energy for their cells. Carbon dioxide, as well as water, is produced as a waster product. This is how carbon is returned to the atmosphere.

Carbon can also be released back into the atmosphere when the decomposers respire.

Question 11

What is the role of combustion in the carbon cycle?

Answer 11

Wood from trees contains lots of carbon, locked into the molecules of the plant during photosynthesis over many years. Fossil fuels also contain lots of carbon, which was locked away by photosynthesising organisms millions of years ago. When wood or fossil fuels are burnt, carbon dioxide is produced, so we release some of that carbon back into the atmosphere. Huge quantities of fossil fuels are burnt worldwide to power our vehicles and generate electricity.