Module 1-Photosynthesis And Food Webs Flashcards
Why are plants very important organisms in an ecosystem?
Because without them there would be no food
Why are leaves thin and wide?
To increase the surface area for absorption of light and carbon dioxide
What is the basic anatomy of a cross-section leaf?
Upper epidermis, lower epidermis, palisade mesophyll layer, spongy mesophyll layer, air spaces
What waterproof covering is on the epidermis?
The cuticle
What is Photosynthesis?
A process by which green plants make their own food
What can green plants do?
Convert light energy into chemical energy in food
What do plants require to photosynthesise?
Carbon dioxide and water
Where is water taken in from a plant?
It’s roots, and it then moves upwards through stems to the leaves
What do plants produce as a by-product of photosynthesis?
Oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere
What is Chlorophyll needed for?
To trap light energy for photosynthesis
Where is chlorophyll found?
It is found in chloroplasts in green plant cells
What do plants make during photosynthesis?
Sugar (glucose), which they can store as starch
How do plants make cellulose for plant cell walls?
They use glucose
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Water + Carbon Dioxide —> Glucose + Oxygen
What do herbivores eat?
Only plants
What do carnivores eat?
Only animals
What do omnivores eat?
Both plant and animal material
What do the arrows of a food chain indicate?
The direction of energy flow
Why are green plants known as producers?
They make there own food by photosynthesis
What do consumers eat?
Plants and other animals
What is a food web?
It’s an inter-connected series of food chains
What do predators eat?
Other animals called prey
What do food chain/webs begin with?
Producers
What is the sun?
The source of energy for producers
What are producers eaten by?
Primary consumers
What are primary consumers eaten by?
Secondary consumers
What are secondary consumers eaten by?
Tertiary consumers
What is a a pyramid of numbers?
It is a diagram showing the number of organisms at each stage of the food chain
What does a pyramid of energy show?
The energy content of all the organisms at each stage of the food chain
What is the purpose of the upper epidermis?
Transparent to let light through
What is the purpose of the lower epidermis?
Contains stomata to allow exchange of gas
What is the purpose of the Palisade mesophyll cells?
Primary site of photosynthesis
What is the purpose of the spongy mesophyll cells?
Loosely arranged with air spaces to let CO2 and O2 enter and leave
What is the purpose of the stomata?
Pores which allow gas exchange and water loss
What is the purpose of the guard cells?
Changes shape to protect stomata
