Carbon Cycle & Interdependence

Question 1

• Define these terms: producer, consumer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, predator, prey,
  decomposer community, population, interdependence, and bioaccumulation.

Answer 1

Producer: An organism, typically a plant, that produces its own food through photosynthesis.
Consumer: An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms.
Herbivore: An animal that primarily eats plants.
Carnivore: An animal that primarily eats other animals.
Omnivore: An animal that eats both plants and animals.
Predator: An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.
Prey: An animal that is hunted and killed by predators for food.
Decomposer: Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic matter.
Population: A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area.
Interdependence: The reliance of different species on each other for survival in an ecosystem.
Bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances, such as toxins, in the tissues of organisms over time.

Question 2

Describe how populations are affected by predator-prey relationships:

Answer 2

If the population of Species B (prey) decreases, it can lead to an increase in the population of its predators (Species A) due to reduced competition for food.
Conversely, if the population of Species B increases, it can lead to a decrease in available resources, causing a decline in the predator population due to starvation or migration.

Question 3

Explain effects of toxins on the environment:

Answer 3

Toxins can harm organisms directly or indirectly, causing health issues, reduced reproduction rates, and even death.
They can disrupt ecosystems by affecting the balance of predator-prey relationships and leading to a decline in biodiversity.
Toxins can also contaminate water sources, soil, and air, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Question 4

Define bioaccumulation and give an example:

Answer 4

Bioaccumulation is the increase of substances, such as toxins or pollutants, in the tissues of organisms over time.
An example is the accumulation of mercury in predatory fish like sharks or tuna, which ingest smaller fish containing mercury from contaminated water bodies.

Question 5

Describe the composition of the atmosphere:

Answer 5

The Earth’s atmosphere is mainly composed of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).
Other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of water vapor, methane, and ozone, make up the remaining percentage.

Question 6

Identify which gases are greenhouse gases:

Answer 6

The major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Question 7

label the carbon cycle:

Answer 7

Atmosphere: Contains carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases.
Photosynthesis: Process by which plants and other producers absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds.
Respiration: Process by which organisms release CO2 back into the atmosphere through breathing and metabolic activities.
Decomposition: Breakdown of organic matter by decomposer organisms, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.
Fossil Fuels: Carbon stored underground in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas. Released into the atmosphere when burned.
Ocean: Absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere through dissolution and biological processes.
Combustion: Burning of fossil fuels and biomass, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

Question 8

Explain how humans have impacted the carbon cycle:

Answer 8

Humans have significantly altered the carbon cycle by:

Burning fossil fuels for energy, releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Clearing forests and other vegetation, reducing the capacity of ecosystems to absorb CO2 through photosynthesis.
Industrial processes and land-use changes have accelerated the release of carbon from natural reservoirs into the atmosphere.

Question 9

Explain what causes global warming:

Answer 9

Global warming is primarily caused by the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is driven by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases (such as CO2, CH4, and N2O) in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space, and leading to a rise in global temperatures.

Question 10

List the effects of global warming:

Answer 10

Rising temperatures leading to heatwaves and changes in weather patterns.
Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, contributing to sea-level rise.
Changes in precipitation patterns, leading to droughts or floods.
Disruption of ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and habitats.
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, storms, and wildfires.
Impacts on agriculture, water resources, human health, and economies.