Photosynthesis Basics
Name the process plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food.
Photosynthesis
What is the source of energy for almost all life on Earth?
Sun
During photosynthesis, what happens to water and carbon dioxide?
They are used to make glucose and oxygen
What happens when a population grows too large for its resources?
It may decrease due to lack of food or space
Why do scientists collect data when studying ecosystems?
To find patterns and understand cause-and-effect
Identify the gas taken in by plants during photosynthesis and the gas they release.
Taken in: carbon dioxide; Released: oxygen
What type of organism makes its own food?
A producer
Name two places where matter cycles through in an ecosystem.
Living things and the environment (air, soil, water)
Name one thing that could cause a sudden population decrease.
Disease, natural disaster, loss of food
What is one kind of evidence you might collect to study a population change?
Population counts over time
Describe how energy from the Sun ends up in a fox that eats a rabbit.
Sun gives energy to plants. Rabbit eats plants. Fox eats rabbit. Energy transfers through food chain.
Which direction does energy flow in a food chain?
From producers to consumers
How do animals return carbon dioxide to the air?
Through breathing (respiration)
How does cutting down trees affect the animals living there?
It can destroy habitats and lower populations
You notice fewer frogs in a pond after a storm. What could you investigate?
Water pollution, habitat damage, or predators
What sugar is made during photosynthesis?
Glucose
What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?
Some energy is lost as heat at each level
What role do decomposers play in the matter cycle?
They break down dead things and return nutrients to the soil
How might a drought change an ecosystem?
It could reduce plant growth and animal survival
Why is it important to use more than one source of evidence in science?
To make sure your explanation is accurate
Where in the plant does photosynthesis mostly take place?
Leaves
Describe the flow of energy in this chain: grass → rabbit → fox.
Sun gives energy to grass, rabbit eats grass, fox eats rabbit
Explain how matter cycles between plants, animals, and the environment.
Plants use COâ‚‚ and water, animals eat plants, decomposers recycle matter into the environment
Give an example of how one change in an ecosystem affects many species.
Removing wolves can cause deer overpopulation and loss of plants
A scientist sees fewer birds after a new mall is built nearby. What could be a possible explanation?
Habitat loss due to construction