Biosphere I

Question 1

Ecosystem

Answer 1

The biotic community and its abiotic environment functioning as a system.

Question 2

Autotroph

Answer 2

Organism that obtains food (carbon) without consuming other organisms. Utilize CO2 as source of carbon, using sun energy to convert it into organic compounds. Primary producers.

Question 3

Heterotroph

Answer 3

Organism that obtains food (carbon) by eating other organisms or their by-products. Secondary producers.

Question 4

Consumer

Answer 4

Heterotrophic organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms.

Question 5

Decomposer

Answer 5

Organism that feeds on dead organic matter (plant and/or animal).

Question 6

Herbivore

Answer 6

Organism that feeds on plant tissue.

Question 7

Carnivore

Answer 7

Organism that feeds on animal tissue.

Question 8

Omnivore

Answer 8

Organism that feeds on both plant and animal tissues.

Question 9

Primary producer

Answer 9

Autotrophs

Question 10

Secondary producer

Answer 10

Heterotrophs

Question 11

Food Chain

Answer 11

Diagram defining the relationship between different feeding groups (groups of organisms that derive their food resources in a similar manner).

Question 12

Photosynthesis

Answer 12

Process by which plants use light energy to make simple sugars (food) from CO2 and H2O. O2 is produced as by-product.

Question 13

Respiration

Answer 13

Occurs in all living cells. Utilization of simple sugars for the production of energy stored (chemically) to do work. Consumption of O2 - release of CO2.

Question 14

Net photosynthesis

Answer 14

Photosynthesis - Respiration

Question 15

Rubisco

Answer 15

The enzyme that catalyzes transformation of CO2 to simple sugars in photosynthesis. Most abundant enzyme on earth.

Question 16

Chlorophyll

Answer 16

Green pigment found in chloroplasts that harnesses light energy.

Question 17

Photosynthesis & Light

Answer 17

Because solar radiation provides energy that drives photosynthesis, light availability directly influences photosynthesis rates.

Question 18

Photosynthesis & Temperature

Answer 18

Temperature has direct effect. Enzymes have characteristic temperature response.

Question 19

Stomata

Answer 19

Pores on the surface of a leaf through which CO2 moves from the atmosphere.

Question 20

Diffusion

Answer 20

The tendency for particles to diffuse down the concentration gradient until equilibrium is reached.

Question 21

Transpiration

Answer 21

Loss of water from inside the leaf to the atmosphere through the stomata. Rate is a function of stomatal conductance and diffusion gradient.

Question 22

Stomatal Conductance

Answer 22

Number and opening of stomata. Effects rate of transpiration.

Question 23

Transpiration & Relative Humidity

Answer 23

Relative humidity rises, transpiration rate falls.

Question 24

CO2 & Aquatic Autotrophs

Answer 24

In submerged aquatic plants, CO2 diffuses directly across the leaf surface into leaf interior.

Question 25

Plant Carbon Gain

Answer 25

Function of rate of photosynthesis per unit of leaf and total amount of leaves.

Question 26

Plant Carbon Loss

Answer 26

Function of total plant mass (leaves + stem + roots).