Photosynthesis Basics
What do producers make their own food from?
Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide
What is a producer in an ecosystem?
An organism that makes its own food, usually plants
What is the main source of energy for photosynthesis?
The Sun
What two ingredients besides sunlight do plants need for food?
Water and carbon dioxide
How do plants help in the cycling of matter?
They release oxygen and help cycle carbon
What is the process called when plants make their own food?
Photosynthesis
Name a common producer in a forest ecosystem.
Trees, such as oaks or pines
Why is sunlight important for a plant?
It powers the chemical reactions in photosynthesis
How do plants get carbon dioxide?
From the air through their leaves
What happens to the carbon in CO2 during photosynthesis?
It is used to make glucose
What energy transformation occurs during photosynthesis?
Solar energy is converted into chemical energy
How do aquatic plants contribute to their ecosystem?
They produce oxygen and provide food and habitat
Can plants perform photosynthesis in complete darkness?
No, they need light to produce food
Is water only needed for photosynthesis in plants?
No, it is also vital for transporting nutrients
What is the glucose produced used for in the plant?
It's used as food to grow and for energy
Besides food, what is a major product of photosynthesis?
Oxygen
How do producers like grasses benefit the animals in a savanna?
They provide food and are a primary energy source
How does cloudy weather affect photosynthesis?
It slows down as less sunlight is available
Why do plants close their stomata sometimes?
To reduce water loss in hot or dry conditions
What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle related to plants?
They break down dead plants, releasing carbon back into the soil
What is the name of the pigment that captures sunlight in plants?
Chlorophyll
Give an example of a marine producer and its role.
Seaweeds or algae; they produce oxygen and serve as food
What artificial light can support plant growth if no sunlight is available?
LED lights or grow lights
What environmental condition increases the rate of photosynthesis?
High levels of light (but not too strong to avoid leaf burn)
Explain how cutting down trees affects the carbon cycle.
It reduces the amount of carbon dioxide converted into oxygen