Global Systems Flashcards
Definition of Biosphere
The biosphere is the region of the Earth where life (or living organisms) are found.
State what atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere
Atmosphere is the air component of the biosphere
Lithosphere is the land component of the biosphere
Hydrosphere is the water component of the biosphere.
How is energy passed through a food chain? Is energy lost at each trophic level?
Energy is passed through a food chain through the producers that photosynthesise to create energy, which is then consumed by a consumer. Yes, energy is lost at each trophic level
How much energy is lost at each trophic level? Where does it go?
90% of energy is lost at each trophic level, the energy is lost in heat (respiration), growth, reproduction, to sustain themselves.
What happens if a species is removed from an ecosystem?
The food source for one consumer would disappear, meaning that there would be a problem with passing the energy through the food chain since they are unable to pass any energy to the next consumer.
Definition of Ecosystem
An ecosystem comprises communities with populations of individual species
Definition of population
Members of one species
Definition of community
Several populations in one place
Definition of individual
The individual species
Definition of species
A group of organisms with similar characteristics
What is a herbivore, omnivore, carnivore?
Herbivore: Only consumes plants
Omnivore: Consumes both animals and plants
Carnivore: Only consumes meat
Define heterotroph and autotroph
Autotrophs are producers - creating their own food through photosynthesis.
Heterotrophs are consumers - they rely on other organisms for their energy and food supply.
What is the importance of a decomposer in a food chain?
A decomposer (bacteria, fungi) breaks down the dead animals and plants and return vital nutrients back into the soil.
Define photosynthesis and explain its importance to life on Earth (equation).
The reaction carried out by autotrophs (producers) to create energy which helps sustain all life on Earth, feeding animals and releasing oxygen as a by-product.
6CO2 + 6H20 + (energy) → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Carbon dioxide + water + energy from light = glucose + oxygen.
Define respiration (equation)
A process in living organisms involving the production of energy
C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H2O + (energy)
Glucose + oxygen = carbon dioxide + water + energy
