Biosphere Energy and Invasive Species Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which plant is categorized as an invasive species?

Fireweed

Burr Oak

Creeping Bellflower (correct)

Tamarack/Larch

What does the term 'Honorable Harvest' primarily refer to?

Using machinery for agricultural productivity

Gathering plants in a sustainable manner (correct)

Harvesting animals in their natural habitat

Effective fishing techniques

Why was Canada Thistle named as such?

It is primarily used in Canadian cuisine

It was first discovered by Canadian botanists

It is only found in Canada

Early residents blamed its emergence on French traders from Canada (correct)

Which of the following plants is identified as a native species?

Burr Oak Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is NOT part of the energy and matter framework in the biosphere?

Soil Composition Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of the topics listed under 'Energy in the Biosphere'?

Energy Transfer Processes Signup and view all the answers

Which tree is described as native in the context provided?

Burr Oak Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a biogeochemical cycle?

Recycling of nutrients in ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Bromothymol Blue (BTB) solution in the investigation?

To test for the presence of carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which test tube serves as the control group in the investigation?

Test Tube D with no organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the manipulated variable in the experiment?

The type of organism present in each test tube Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is being measured as the responding variable?

The color change of BTB Signup and view all the answers

What controlled variable ensures that all test tubes are treated equally regarding environmental factors?

Same time lapse for each trial Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the test tubes to be sealed in a closed environment?

To allow carbon dioxide to accumulate Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment group contains both a plant and an animal in the same test tube?

Treatment Group 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is a controlled variable that affects the outcome of the experiment?

Concentration of BTB solution Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'biomass' refer to in an ecosystem?

All the living matter in an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to by the term 'GAIA Hypothesis'?

The concept that the Earth behaves like a self-regulating organism Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'productivity' describe?

The rate at which radiant energy is taken in by producers Signup and view all the answers

What does the covenant of reciprocity between humans and the living refer to?

A relationship based on mutual respect and care Signup and view all the answers

What was 'Biosphere II' intended to simulate?

A closed system for humans to recreate the biosphere Signup and view all the answers

What must humans provide in exchange for the lives they take from nature?

Attention and care Signup and view all the answers

What does 'equilibrium' refer to in ecological terms?

The balance between interacting forces within an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a guideline for sustainable harvesting?

Never take the first or last of a species Signup and view all the answers

What should one do before taking resources from nature?

Ask permission and listen for the answer Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to harvesting in nature?

Harvest in a way that does the least harm Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized regarding the use of resources taken from nature?

Use everything that you take Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to share resources gathered from nature?

To ensure equal distribution and respect for all Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of recognizing that every breath taken comes from plants?

It highlights the interconnectedness of life Signup and view all the answers

Which law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed?

First Law of Thermodynamics Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement 'Energy Input = Desired Energy + Waste Energy'?

Some energy is lost in conversions Signup and view all the answers

What type of diagram representing trophic levels is suggested in the content?

Food Web Signup and view all the answers

In constructing a food chain, which of the following is the primary producer?

Phytoplankton Signup and view all the answers

What role did cyanobacteria play in changing the atmosphere of early Earth?

They photosynthesized, releasing oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between energy input and energy output as described in the content?

Energy input equals energy output minus waste energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the first law of thermodynamics is correct?

Energy can change form but not amount. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of stromatolites?

They provide evidence of the presence of oxygen in the past. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'waste energy' refer to in energy transformations?

Energy lost as heat or unutilized Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge faced by closed system simulations like Biosphere 2?

They were unable to sustain a dynamic equilibrium. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly illustrates the second law of thermodynamics?

Energy cannot be transformed without loss. Signup and view all the answers

How can human activity disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems?

By causing both physical and chemical changes to environments. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Gaia Hypothesis suggest about organisms and the environment?

Organisms actively maintain a balance in their surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential solution for humans to reduce their environmental impact?

Adopting cleaner alternatives for energy needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient life form is primarily responsible for the formation of stromatolites?

Cyanobacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of iron-oxide layers in stromatolites indicate?

The presence of oxygen in the ancient atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit A: Energy & Matter in the Biosphere

This unit covers energy and matter in the biosphere, specifically Chapters 1 & 2.
Topics include Energy in the Biosphere, Energy Transfer in the Biosphere, Water, Biogeochemical Cycles, Productivity & Equilibrium.
The Honorable Harvest is a presentation about native plants in and around the Edmonton area.
The presentation included examples of native plants, identifying native versus invasive species, and distinguishing characteristics of native species.
Questions included: Identifying native species versus invasive weeds, distinguishing characteristics, common names, if the plant is a native species or an invasive weed, and common names for different trees such as the Tamarack/Larch.
Various questions, including those about a covenant of reciprocity between humans and the living, responsibility towards nature, sustainable harvesting, and the interconnectedness of all living things in the biosphere were presented.

The Earth's Spheres

The Earth is a system composed of four interacting spheres: lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living things).
The focus is on the biosphere and its interaction with the other spheres.

Earth Spheres Details

Lithosphere: Solid Earth
Hydrosphere: All water found on, under, and over the surface of Earth
Atmosphere: Gases that surround Earth (its air)
Biosphere: All life on Earth

The Biosphere

The biosphere is a system because living things interact with their surroundings.
Examples of components interacting with their surroundings are birds in the air, sea creatures, marine living organisms, microscopic organisms, animals in the ground, and vegetation (dead plants and animals).

Abiotic and Biotic Factors

The biosphere involves interactions between biotic (living or once living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
Biotic factors include bacteria, fish, birds, mammals, and plants, and their remains.
Abiotic factors include temperature, weather, soil acidity, and sunlight.
The study of interactions between biotic and abiotic factors is called ecology.

Types of Systems

A biological system describes the interactions that living things have with their environment.
Open Systems: Both matter and energy can enter and leave the system (e.g., the biosphere).
Closed Systems: Only energy can enter and leave the system; matter cannot (e.g., Earth).

Ultimate Source of Energy

Energy on Earth originates from the sun (radiant energy).
The three outcomes of solar energy are 30% gets reflected by clouds, dust particles, water and land, 19% is absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds, and 51% is absorbed by the earth's surface. 1-2% of the 51% absorbed is captured by producers.

Albedo Effect

Albedo is the amount of reflected energy.
Light-colored surfaces have a high albedo (reflect light energy).
Dark-colored surfaces have a low albedo (absorb sun's energy).
Examples include snow (high albedo) and asphalt (low albedo).

The Need for Energy

Photosynthesis: Plants use CO2 and H2O to produce glucose and oxygen, using the sun's energy.
Cellular Respiration: Organisms use glucose and oxygen to produce energy (ATP), releasing CO2 and H2O.

Chemosynthesis

Chemosynthesis is energy production in the absence of sunlight.
It uses chemicals like hydrogen sulfide to produce energy.
Example organisms are bacteria in deep-sea thermal vents.

One Way Flow of Energy

Energy enters the biosphere as radiant energy from the sun.
Energy flows from producers to consumers.
Matter is recycled through living things.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form.

Investigation: Radiant Energy Stored in Plants

During photosynthesis, plants convert radiant energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which is then stored as starch.
Lugol's Iodine is used to test for the presence of starch.

Investigation: Carbon Dioxide Production in Plants and Animals

This investigation compares carbon dioxide production in plants (Elodea) and animals (snails) in a closed environment.
Using Bromothymol blue (BTB) as an indicator, the investigation observed how the colour change of the BTB solution can indicate the level of Carbon Dioxide present.

Video Tutorials

Links provided to videos on YouTube for further learning on various topics like the energy of the Earth, energy transfer, the water cycle, the carbon cycle, net primary productivity, and the Gaia Hypothesis.

Topic 2: Energy Transfer in the Biosphere

Food chains and food webs describe energy transfer.
Each transfer from one organism to another is only 10% efficient; the rest becomes heat.
Producers use photosynthesis to generate their own food, and consumers acquire energy from other organisms.
Different consumers, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers, are part of a food web.
Decomposers are important for nutrient recycling.

Ecosystem Definitions

An ecosystem is a smaller system within the biosphere, and includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living).
Biotic interaction refers to the interaction between different species within an ecosystem.
Abiotic interaction refers to the interaction between species and the non-living parts of the ecosystem.

Modes of Nutrition

Autotrophs (e.g., plants, algae) produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Heterotrophs (e.g., animals, fungi) obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Trophic Levels

Trophic levels describe the stages of an organism in a food chain or web based on how many energy transfers away from the original radiant energy. A trophic level describes the energy transfer steps from producer to consumer.
The higher the trophic level, the further away from the original energy. Typically, 10% of energy is transferred; the rest is lost as heat.

Models of Trophic Levels

Food chains show a linear feeding relationship.
Food webs show interacting food chains.
Ecological pyramids show quantitative values for each trophic level.

Ecological Pyramids

Pyramid of Numbers: Depicts the approximate number of organisms at each level.
Pyramid of Biomass: Depicts the total mass of organisms at each level.
Pyramid of Energy: Depicts the amount of energy at each level.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

During energy conversion, some energy is lost as heat.
Only about 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels.

Case Studies

The impacts of an endangered ecosystem are examined.
The impact of humans on the earth are examined through simulations, such as, Biosphere 2.

Topic 3: Water

Water is a precious and limited resource that must be recycled through the hydrological cycle.
Key processes include precipitation, condensation, runoff, and evaporation/transpiration/respiration.

Water's Properties

Water has unique properties due to its polarity, hydrogen bonding, thermal properties, and cohesive properties.
Water's structure is built upon covalent bonding.
Water's polarity leads to hydrogen bonding.
Water's properties allow it to act as a universal solvent.

Topic 4: Biogeochemical Cycles

Biogeochemical cycles describe the pathway matter takes as it is recycled and reused.
Examples include the carbon-oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.
Cycles have fast and slow components, and can be disrupted by human activities.

Topic 5: Productivity & Equilibrium

Productivity is the rate at which biomass is generated.
Productivity is affected by factors like sunlight and moisture.
Equilibrium is the balance between interacting forces in the biosphere.

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Description

Test your understanding of invasive species, the 'Honorable Harvest' concept, and energy in the biosphere. This quiz covers key definitions, important concepts in ecology, and experimental variables relevant to investigations in biology. Challenge yourself with questions that assess your knowledge of native species and biogeochemical cycles.