TOPIC 2 Flashcards
What are the components of the biosphere?
Hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere
Each component plays a vital role in supporting life.
Define hydrosphere
All the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, and groundwater
Essential for all living organisms.
Define lithosphere
The rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle
Provides minerals and nutrients for organisms.
Define atmosphere
The layer of gases surrounding the Earth
Critical for respiration and weather patterns.
What is the order of organisms in the biosphere?
Organism, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere
Define organism
A living thing such as plants, animals, and bacteria
The basic unit of life.
Define population
A group of individuals of the same species in the same place at the same time
Important for studying species dynamics.
Define community
Two or more populations in an area
Focuses on interactions between different species.
Define ecosystem
A community and its biotic and abiotic factors
Emphasizes the relationship between organisms and their environment.
Define biome
Large ecological areas on the Earth’s surface, defined by climate and vegetation
Examples include desert and rainforest.
Define biosphere
The area from the bottom of the ocean to the lower atmosphere
Represents the global sum of all ecosystems.
How is energy lost in an ecosystem?
As heat
In what form does energy enter the ecosystem?
As sunlight
What is an open ecosystem?
Energy and matter can flow in and out of the system freely
What elements are primarily recycled in ecosystems?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
Essential for maintaining life processes.
What are the main compounds recycled in ecosystems?
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
Vital for cellular structure and function.
What are the parts of the water cycle?
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Runoff
- Accumulation
- Transpiration
How do plants return water to the atmosphere?
- Evaporation
- Transpiration
- Respiration
How do animals return water to the atmosphere?
- Evaporation
- Perspiration
- Gas exchange
- Excretion
- Respiration
What two processes provide water to the atmosphere?
Cellular respiration and transpiration
What process uses water in plants?
Photosynthesis
What is transpiration?
Loss of water through leaves
Does acid rain affect humans?
No, because it is diluted
What does acid rain harm?
- Lowers pH in bodies of water
- Affects aquatic life
- Kills plant life such as crops
- Weathers limestone
