Chapter 2 Flashcards
a network of interdependent components and processes
System
a complex assemblage of animals, plants and their environment, through which materials and energy move
Ecosystem
system where elements can enter and leave
Open System
System where elements don’t enter or leave
Closed System
energy and matter that flows through a system
throughput
Substances that cannot be broken down into simpler forms by ordinary chemical reactions
Elements
smallest unit of elements
Atom
Fundamental unit of life
Cells
use energy, air, and water to make carbs
Primary Producer
uses light energy
Photosynthesis
inorganic chemical compounds
Chemosynthesis
Function: immediate Energy (cellular respiration)
Carbohydrates
Function: Long term energy storage (Cell Membranes)
Lipids
Function: Cell Membrane, lots of others
Proteins
Function: Genetic Information, DNA, RNA
Nucleic Acids
all organisms that are genetically similar enough to breed and produce live, fertile offspring
Species
all the members of a species living in a given area at the same time
Population
all the populations of organisms living in a particular area
Community
a biological community and its physical environment
Ecosystem
organisms feeding status
Trophic Levels
Cleans up dead carcasses
Scavenger
Consumes Litter, debris, and dung
Detritivores
final breakdown and recycling of organic materials
Decomposers
Water leaving Plants
Transpiration
take in CO2 - photosynthesis turns it into sugars - sugars stored in plant.
- plant dies and decaying material releases CO2 into atmosphere
- OR plan is buried - fossil fuel - dug up and burned - Released CO2
The Carbon Cycle
Plants get N form Bacteria that lives in the roots - build proteins - same recycling process as Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Released from Rocks - Plants take it up - organic molecules - cycles through ecosystem
Phosphorous Cycle
_____ is released by:
- weathering of rocks
- emissions from deep seafloor vents
- volcanic eruptions
- releasing form bacteria
- burning fossil fuels
- Acidic Rain*
Sulfur
