Vocab 1
Fundamental law which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only changed into different forms.
Law of Conservation of matter
Only allows energy to pass through reservoirs
Closed system
When the volume of flux flowing out of a reservoir matches that which is flowing in
Steady state
Where does a tree get all the atoms it needs in order to grow to its magnificent height?
The atmosphere/air
A produces B which produces C which in turn causes A to stop producing B.
Negative feedback loop
Gas required for most life on earth; can be created from the splitting of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Oxygen
Amount of time a substance remains within a system
Residence state
What phrase is very important to remember as we study ecology?
Everything is in the universe is connected together
The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
Ecology
Allows for the transfer of both atter and energy among reservoirs
Open system
A produces more of B which in turn produces more A.
Positive feedback loop
Are there closed systems found in nature (other than the earth itself)?
A process in which plants use the energy of the sun to synthesize food through the combination of carbon and water.
Photosynthesis
Source
Earth's spheres; a system of large compartments which are constantly receiving and transferring both matter and energy to and from other spheres.
Reservoirs
What do we breathe into the atmosphere that helps trees grow?
Carbon Dioxide
A set of components linked together which function as a whole.
System
The status of reservoir when the volume of flux flowing into a reservoir ais greater than what is flowing out.
Sink
Does not alter
Static
How does a tree remove the oxygen form carbon dioxide?
Photosynthesis