Energy
Why do organisms need energy?
To grow, survive, and reproduce.
What are the two types of energy?
Potential & kinetic
What elements are all living things largely composed of?
C, H, O, N, P
What two processes can move these elements through these spheres?
Physical
&
Chemical
Most of the water cycle is driven by what kind of factor/process?
Physical
What type of energy is in motion?
Kinetic energy
What type of energy has the potential to move?
Potential energy
How much total energy is passed to the next trophic level?
5-20%
What are the 4 main cycles that occur on Earth?
Carbon Cycle
Phosphorous Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Water Cycle
List one way humans affect Earth's cycles
Increasing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the biosphere.
The distribution of water through consumption and pollution.
Deforestation and burning of fossil fuels
How do producers get energy?
Through Photosynthesis
How do consumers get energy?
What are Earth's four main spheres
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Geosphere
Biosphere
What are the two types of carbon cycles?
Geological
&
Biological
Elements must move through an ecosystem so that they can be utilized because of what?
The law of conservation of matter, and because Earth is a closed system.
The process and resulting tissues of producers from photosynthesis is called what?
Primary production
What 4 things is primary production affected by?
Sunlight
Temperature
Moisture
Nutrients
Why does energy flow begin with producers?
Because they are the only organism to produce their own energy to pass on to other organisms.
Where is the largest reservoir of phosphorus found?
Sedimentary rocks
What is the formula for photosynthesis.
6CO₂ + 6H₂O (+Sunlight) = C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
What do food webs consist of?
Interconnected food chains
Decomposers
Detritivores
What are the three reasons energy is lost?
The inability to digest and us it
The use of it
The loss of it through heat transfer
Few organisms can use nitrogen in gas form, so it must undergo a process called nitrogen fixation which turns nitrogen into what?
Ammonia