Structuring the biosphere: energy Flashcards
name four processes that solar input leads to
reflection, heating the surface of the planet, evaporation and photosynthesis
what two factors lead to uneven absorption of heat?
albedo and heat capacity (water absorbs less heat as it uses it for evaporation, sand absorbs heat directly)
how does energy limit the abundance of life>
after energy used to power the weather, there is much less left. heat gradients limit where different forms of life can and do exist
what two processes are essential for survival
the flow of energy
the continual recycling of chemical elements
give the limiting factors in aquatic biomes
light penetration currents nutrient availability dissolved oxygen (this affected by temp.) salinity
what sets ultimate limits to the abundance of life?
the extent of producers
what is gross production
the production of organic matter by autotrophs before any is used
what is net production
the biomass remaining when respiration and metabolism have removed some
what ecosystem role is a sign of an energy rich ecosystem
predators, shows efficient transfer of energy through the food web
role of producers in energy exchange
energy storage
role of consumers and decomposers in energy system
consumption of energy
how much energy is lost at each stage of the food web and through which processes?
90%
lost as heat and waste and used up by the organism
name two types of autotrophs and how they create food
photoautotrophs-> use light energy source to oxidise water and reduce CO2 to biomass
chemoautotrophs-> gain energy from chemical reactions, oxidise sulphide to reduce CO2 to biomass
how many nutrients are there that are necessary to life
24
what are the big six macronutrients needed by all life
carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur and phosphorus
