All Flashcards
Define solar energy.
The ultimate source of energy for almost all ecosystems.
Define trophic levels.
The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, representing the transfer of energy.
Define producers.
Organisms (like plants) that convert solar energy into chemical energy.
Define photosynthesis.
The process by which producers convert solar energy into glucose.
Define herbivores.
Organisms that eat producers (plants).
Define carnivores.
Organisms that eat herbivores or other carnivores.
Define decomposers.
Organisms that break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.
Define cellular respiration.
The process that converts glucose into usable chemical energy (ATP).
Define entropy.
A measure of disorder in a system; it increases with energy transformations.
Define chemical energy.
Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds.
What are the steps of energy transfer in a food chain?
Producers capture solar energy, consumers eat producers, energy is transferred up trophic levels, energy is lost as heat at each step.
Describe the process of photosynthesis.
Plants use sunlight, water, and CO2 to produce glucose and oxygen.
Describe the process of cellular respiration.
Organisms break down glucose to release energy (ATP), producing CO2 and water.
What is the ultimate source of energy for most ecosystems?
Solar energy.
Why are energy transformations never 100% efficient?
Some energy is always lost as heat.
What happens to energy that ecosystems don't use?
It is lost to the environment.
What is the significance of the First Law of Thermodynamics?
It explains why energy transfers are not 100% efficient and sets the stage for understanding the second law of thermodynamics.
How does the Second Law of Thermodynamics affect ecosystems?
It explains why only about 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.
Why do top predators need large territories?
To find enough food, due to the 10% rule and energy loss at each trophic level.
What is the role of photosynthesis?
To convert solar energy into chemical energy (glucose).
What is the role of cellular respiration?
To convert glucose into usable chemical energy (ATP) and release thermal energy.
What are the implications of the 10% rule?
It explains why top predators need large territories to find enough food and why energy availability decreases at higher trophic levels.
How does energy flow through the trophic pyramid?
From producers to herbivores to carnivores, with decomposers recycling nutrients.