C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter Flashcards
Systems that exchange both energy and matter with their surroundings
Role of Sunlight in Ecosystems
The primary source of energy for most ecosystems
Food Chains
Models illustrating the flow of energy through a sequence of organisms
Food Webs
Complex models of interconnected food chains
Thermodynamics in Biology
Study of energy flows through biological systems
Decomposers
Organisms that break down dead matter, recycling essential nutrients
Autotrophs
Organisms that produce organic compounds from inorganic molecules using external energy sources
Heterotrophs
Organisms relying on consuming others for energy and nutrients
Photoautotrophs
Organisms that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds
Chemoautotrophs
Organisms obtaining energy through oxidation of inorganic compounds
Trophic Levels
Categories of organisms in a food chain based on their source of energy
Energy Pyramids
Representation of energy availability at each trophic level
Biomass
The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume
Energy Transfer
Movement of energy through trophic levels
Dietary Flexibility
Ability of organisms to occupy more than one trophic level
Inefficient Energy Conversion
Loss of energy during transfer between trophic levels
Metabolic Processes
Biological processes consuming energy
Heat Dissipation
Loss of energy as heat during energy conversion
Incomplete Consumption
Not all parts of prey are consumed, leading to energy loss
Inefficient Digestion
Inability to absorb all energy from consumed food
Primary Production
Rate at which producers like plants and algae accumulate carbon compounds in their biomass.
Secondary Production
Rate at which consumers assimilate carbon compounds into their biomass.
Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
Energy available to consumers after subtracting energy losses used by autotrophs for their metabolic processes
Photosynthesis
Process where autotrophs convert CO2 and water into glucose using sunlight.
Carbon Cycle
Process by which carbon atoms are recycled and exchanged between Earth’s systems
Carbon Sink
Environment that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases
Carbon Source
Process or location that releases more carbon into the atmosphere than it absorbs.
Chemosynthesis
Process where bacteria convert inorganic molecules into organic compounds without sunlight
Fossil Fuels
Natural fuels formed from ancient organic matter; major source of carbon emissions when burned
Greenhouse Effect
Process where Earth’s atmosphere traps heat, contributing to global warming
Deforestation
Removal of large areas of forest, impacting carbon sinks and contributing to climate change.
Keeling Curve
Graph showing increasing concentrations of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere over time
Biomass Combustion
Burning organic materials, releasing CO2 and affecting carbon cycle
Climate Change
Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place
Photosynthesis and Respiration Link
Cyclical relationship where photosynthesis produces oxygen and respiration produces CO2
Nutrient Cycling
Recycling process of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through ecosystems
Sustainable Ecosystem
Ecosystem that maintains its diversity and productivity over time
Biodiversity
Variety of different types of life found in an area
Ecological Balance
State of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in a habitat or ecosystem
