Biology Chapter 13: Our Environment

The process of energy transfer between different organisms in an ecosystem. It begins with producers converting sunlight into food energy and continues through various trophic levels as organisms consume and are consumed.

Organisms that make their own food using sunlight, like plants.

Organisms that consume producers for energy, like herbivores.

Organisms that consume primary consumers, like carnivores.

The amount of energy that is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Typically, only about 10% of the energy from one level is available to the next.

A series of organisms in which each one eats the one below it. Energy flows in one direction.

A complex network of interconnected food chains. It shows the multiple feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

The steps in a food chain or web. The trophic level of an organism is its position in the food chain.

Energy flows in one direction through an ecosystem, starting from the sun and moving through organisms at different trophic levels. It does not flow back to the previous levels.

The amount of energy available decreases as it progresses through each trophic level in a food chain.

The process where harmful chemicals become increasingly concentrated as they move up through trophic levels in a food chain.

The chemicals used to protect crops from pests and diseases, which can accumulate in the environment and enter the food chain.

Pesticides can enter the food chain through plants absorbing them from contaminated soil and water.

Pesticides can also enter the food chain through animals eating contaminated plants and other animals.

The presence of pesticide residue in our food signifies the accumulation of these chemicals in the food chain.

The gradual increase in the concentration of a toxic substance as it moves up through a food chain, leading to higher levels in top predators.

The process of breaking down dead organisms and waste into simpler substances, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

A gas in the upper atmosphere that protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation from the sun.

The gradual thinning of the ozone layer, mainly caused by human-made chemicals.

The way pesticides can move from one organism to another through the food chain.

The process of absorbing UV radiation from the sun and splitting oxygen molecules into free oxygen atoms.

The process of free oxygen atoms combining with oxygen molecules to form ozone.

Chemicals, like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

An international agreement aimed at reducing the production of ozone-depleting substances.

The process of breaking down materials into simpler substances, often by microorganisms.

Waste materials that can be broken down by natural processes, like food scraps and paper.

Waste materials that resist natural decomposition, like plastics and glass.

A process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the presence of oxygen, releasing energy.

A process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

Enzymes are highly specific in their action; each enzyme breaks down a specific type of substance.

Substances that can be broken down by living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi.

Substances that cannot be broken down by living organisms and persist in the environment for a long time.

The process by which living organisms break down and convert organic matter into simpler substances.

Materials that are designed to decompose quickly in the environment, reducing their impact.

The accumulation of waste materials, particularly non-biodegradable ones, in the environment.

The negative effects of waste on the environment, such as pollution and habitat destruction.

Methods for managing waste, including recycling, composting, and landfill disposal.

The removal or reduction of waste from the environment.

The ability of some materials, like grass and wood, to decompose naturally by the action of microorganisms.

The layer in Earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on Earth.

Materials that do not decompose naturally and persist in the environment for a long time, such as plastic and glass.

The practice of using resources and managing activities in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

The interconnected network of all living organisms and their physical environment, including the interactions between them.