Experimental Design
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
Give a baseline for "normal"
What is the dependent variable in an experiment where you measure plant growth based on sunlight exposure?
The dependent variable is plant growth, as it is what is being measured based on sunlight exposure.
What is the carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's atmosphere, land, ocean, and organisms.
What is photosynthesis?
What is ecological succession?
Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.
True or False: The control group is where the independent variable is altered.
false
Define an independent variable.
An independent variable is the variable that is changed or manipulated in an experiment.
Where on a graph would you plot the independent variable?
Photosynthesis is a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Describe the process of cellular respiration in the carbon cycle.
Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
What is primary succession and when does it occur
Primary succession is the development of an ecosystem in an area where there was no previous soil or life, such as on bare rock after a volcanic eruption.
what is global warming
Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth's average temperature caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, making the planet warmer, which can lead to changes in weather patterns and climate.
Explain the importance of a hypothesis in an experiment.
A hypothesis in an experiment serves as a prediction that can be tested to determine its validity.
Give an example of a controlled variable in an experiment.
An example of a controlled variable could be the amount of water given to all plants in an experiment.
What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose during photosynthesis, playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle.
How do fossil fuels contribute to the carbon cycle?
Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to the carbon cycle.
what is secondary succession and when does it occur?
Secondary succession occurs in areas where an ecosystem has been disturbed but soil and some organisms still remain, such as after a forest fire.
Why is biodiversity important in an ecosystem?
Biodiversity is important in an ecosystem because it enhances resilience, stability, and productivity, allowing ecosystems to better withstand environmental changes.
What is a null hypothesis, and how does it differ from an experimental hypothesis?
Why is it important to keep controlled variables consistent?
Controlled variables must be consistent to ensure that any observed changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.
How does carbon return to the atmosphere from dead organisms?
Carbon returns to the atmosphere from dead organisms through decomposition, where decomposers break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide.
What is an example of a carbon storage area on earth?
humans
plants
animals
ocean
What typically follows the establishment of grasses in succession? (first organisms to appear)
A pioneer species in primary succession could be lichens, which can colonize bare rock and begin soil formation.
Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.
Describe the difference between the independent and dependent variables in an experiment about the effects of fertilizer on plant growth.
In the fertilizer experiment, the independent variable is the type of fertilizer, the dependent variable is the height of the sunflowers, and the control group is the group that does not receive the fertilizer.
Identify the independent, dependent, and control group in a study testing the effects of exercise on sleep quality.
In the exercise and sleep quality study, the independent variable is daily exercise, the dependent variable is sleep quality, and the control group is the group that does not exercise.
Explain the relationship between photosynthesis and humans in the carbon cycle.
Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and cellular respiration by organisms returns it, maintaining a balance in the carbon cycle.
Explain the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle.
The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, where it can be used by marine organisms or stored in deep ocean layers.
Describe the final stage of ecological succession. (last organisms to appear)
A climax community is a stable, mature ecosystem that has reached the final stage of ecological succession, with little change in species composition.
What is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
An example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem is the presence of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.