A5 - Balance of Matter and Energy Exchange
18 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is necessary for sustainability in ecosystems?

  • Only energy inputs from humans
  • Continuous energy input only
  • A balance between energy input and output (correct)
  • Reduction of all energy outputs

    • Who proposed the Gaia Hypothesis?

  • James Lovelock (correct)
  • David Attenborough
  • Charles Darwin
  • Rachel Carson

    • What does homeostasis refer to in the context of living organisms?

  • The consumption of matter only
  • The process of saving energy
  • A stable internal environment (correct)
  • A state of chaos and imbalance

    • According to the Gaia Hypothesis, how do living things on Earth interact?

    <p>They function as one superorganism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized by the Gaia Hypothesis regarding living things?

    <p>Their interconnectedness and need for balance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does life play in maintaining the conditions of the biosphere?

    <p>Life modifies the composition of the atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant characteristic of the atmosphere in the past?

    <p>It had little to no O2 with high levels of CO2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did bacteria contribute to the formation of sedimentary rock?

    <p>They formed mounds that trapped sediments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence indicates that O2 was released into the atmosphere over time?

    <p>Iron oxides trapped O2 in early stromatolite layers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why have attempts to replicate the biosphere on a smaller scale been unsuccessful?

    <p>The complexities of biosphere interactions are difficult to simulate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the Haughton-Mars Project?

    <p>To simulate Mars’ surface conditions for sustainable manned missions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors contribute to the formation of dead zones in oceans?

    <p>Presence of algal blooms due to nutrient runoff.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one method suggested for preserving the natural balance in ecosystems?

    <p>Development of alternative energy sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant consequence of human interference in ecosystems?

    <p>Disruption in the flow of matter and energy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can nutrient runoff contribute to algal blooms?

    <p>By providing excess nutrients like phosphates and nitrates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of NASA's Advanced Life Support programs is currently being researched?

    <p>Methods for growing plants for food and oxygen in space.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has caused the formation of approximately 150 dead zones in oceans?

    <p>Human-induced nutrient pollution leading to algal blooms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do wind turbines play in environmental conservation efforts?

    <p>They provide a renewable energy source potentially reducing environmental impact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    A5 - Balance of Matter and Energy Exchange

    • The biosphere constantly exchanges energy with its surroundings. It receives energy from the sun and releases radiant energy (heat).
    • Sustainability happens when these energy exchanges are balanced, which is a state of homeostasis.
    • Understanding the interrelationship of energy and matter is crucial to maintaining homeostasis in ecosystems, and how human activity affects this balance.

    Maintaining Homeostasis

    • Homeostasis is the state of balance within an organism's or an ecosystem's system.
    • The Gaia Hypothesis suggests that Earth as a whole functions like a self-regulating organism maintaining homeostasis at a global scale. Developed by James Lovelock.
    • All living things on Earth (the biosphere) work as a single superorganism capable of self-regulation.

    Gaia Hypothesis and Living Things

    • The Gaia Hypothesis is a controversial scientific idea. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things.
    • Each part of the biosphere must maintain a state of balance with every other component. Living things influence the systems that sustain them.
    • Life on Earth significantly impacts atmospheric conditions; for example, the composition of the atmosphere would differ greatly without living organisms. Without photosynthetic lifeforms, our atmosphere would be dominated by CO2 with minimal O2.

    Gaia Hypothesis and Fossil Evidence

    • The early atmosphere lacked oxygen (O2). Bacteria were capable of growth in lagoons and lakes.
    • Their death led to sedimentary rock build-up, sometimes called stromatolites, trapping oxygen in iron oxides.
    • Later layers of stromatolites indicate that this oxygen was no longer trapped but moved from oceans to the atmosphere.

    Replicating Earth's Biosphere

    • Scientists have attempted to replicate the Earth's biosphere on a smaller scale (e.g., Biosphere 2).
    • These attempts have not been fully successful, since Earth's biosphere is very intricate.

    Future Projects

    • NASA research programs (e.g., Advanced Life Support (ALS)) study ways to sustain life in space colonies.
    • These projects investigate growing plants for food and oxygen generation in space. They also emphasize recycling and recovering materials.
    • The Haughton-Mars Project models Martian surface conditions in the Canadian Arctic to test sustainability for future missions.

    Human Interference

    • Humans have a major impact on their surroundings.
    • Sometimes, this changes disrupt the delicate natural balance of ecosystems.
    • This disruption involves the exchange of matter and energy.
    • Much effort is directed towards reducing human-generated environmental impacts.

    Examples of Human Interference

    • Dead zones where aquatic life suffocates.
    • Nutrient-rich sediment runoff causing algal blooms, especially in coastal waters.
    • Sewage, deforestation, fertilizer run-off, and livestock operations contribute to water pollution.

    Preserving Natural Balance

    • Developing alternative energy sources (e.g., wind turbines) is one method to reduce environmental impact.
    • We need to reconsider how we use land and resources to avoid damaging ecosystems.
    • The transfer of matter and energy within the biosphere is closely interrelated; water molecules that were transpired by a tree can end up in our water supply.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    A5 Balance of Matter and Energy Exchange PDF

    Description

    Explore the intricate relationships between energy exchanges and homeostasis in ecosystems. Delve into the Gaia Hypothesis, which posits that the biosphere functions as a self-regulating organism. Understand how these concepts are vital for sustainability and the impact of human activities on ecological balance.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser