Earth Science: Open Systems and Energy

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes an open system?

Both energy and matter can pass in and out of the system. (correct)

Matter can be transferred freely, but energy cannot.

Energy can be transferred but not matter.

Neither energy nor matter can exit the system.

Which is true about Earth's lithosphere?

It includes the surrounding gases of Earth.

It is primarily composed of water.

It consists of all ecosystems on Earth.

It is the top layer of Earth made mainly of soil, rocks, and minerals. (correct)

What happens to solar energy that reaches Earth?

50% is absorbed by Earth's surface. (correct)

No energy is reflected by the atmosphere.

100% is absorbed by Earth's surface.

80% is absorbed by the atmosphere.

What is albedo?

The reflection of solar energy by surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of melting arctic ice?

Darker ocean water absorbs more heat, leading to further ice melt. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

To produce energy for other organisms Signup and view all the answers

What does bioaccumulation refer to in ecological terms?

The increase of toxins in a single organism's tissues over time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'community' in ecology?

Multiple different species living together in a specific area Signup and view all the answers

How do decomposers contribute to the ecosystem?

By breaking down organic matter to recycle nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did the use of DDT have on the bald eagle population?

Reduction in egg laying rates due to calcium deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the hydrological cycle?

It involves both biotic and abiotic components in ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

Which property of water allows it to absorb and release thermal energy effectively?

It forms hydrogen bonds between molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is percolation in the context of water movement through soil?

The movement of water through porous material Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes acid deposition?

It refers specifically to acid rain from fossil fuel combustion Signup and view all the answers

What defines an aquifer?

A body of rock that can transmit groundwater Signup and view all the answers

What role does transpiration play in the water cycle?

It is a form of water evaporation from plant leaves Signup and view all the answers

How does trophic level affect bioamplification?

Toxins increase in concentration as they move up trophic levels Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is an abiotic component of an ecosystem?

Sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pigments is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll a Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of ribosomes in a cell?

Produce proteins Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the plant cell does photosynthesis primarily occur?

Chloroplasts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

They generate ATP and NADPH. Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is produced as the final product of the Krebs cycle?

Oxaloacetate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oxygen in cellular respiration?

It serves as the final electron acceptor. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary products of glycolysis?

Pyruvate and ATP Signup and view all the answers

What triggers muscle contraction based on the sliding filament theory?

Nerve impulse Signup and view all the answers

Which type of respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen?

Lactate fermentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cell wall in plant cells?

Provide structural support Signup and view all the answers

Which taxonomic rank is the most specific?

Species Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Archaea compared to Bacteria?

Being more closely related to eukaryotes Signup and view all the answers

What term describes competition among members of the same species?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ecotone?

A marshland Signup and view all the answers

What does 'biological potential' refer to?

The maximum amount of offspring a species could produce Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind the Law of Minimum?

Population growth is limited by the least available resource Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a density-independent factor?

Flooding Signup and view all the answers

What is artificial selection?

Selecting traits artificially in managing species evolution Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes vestigial traits?

Traits that have lost their primary use over time Signup and view all the answers

What process is defined as the branching off of new species from a common ancestor?

Speciation Signup and view all the answers

What type of light-based energy is produced during photosynthesis?

Chemical energy stored in glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which type of structure indicates evolutionary relationships due to common ancestry?

Homologous structures Signup and view all the answers

What do photons represent in the context of light energy?

Particles of light Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the contraction of the atria in the heart?

Sinoatrial node Signup and view all the answers

Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?

Pulmonary veins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the heart's valves is true?

They create the lub-dub sound when closing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

To transport oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is primarily produced from the combustion of fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the body do leukocytes mature?

Bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phagocytes in the immune response?

To engulf and destroy pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

Convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the blood?

Neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

Ammonia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of capillaries?

To facilitate gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

How does acid precipitation impact aquatic life?

It leaches heavy metals into the water. Signup and view all the answers

In the carbon cycle, what process converts carbon dioxide into glucose?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the inflammatory response in the second line of immune defense?

Release of histamines Signup and view all the answers

What role do alkaline soils play regarding acid precipitation?

They neutralize acids before runoff occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of suppressor T-cells in the immune response?

To prevent healthy cells from being attacked by Killer T-cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the first line of immune defense comprised of?

Skin and mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of nitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

Convert ammonia into nitrites and nitrates Signup and view all the answers

Which entity is primarily responsible for the long-term storage of carbon in the ocean?

Shelled organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of blood plasma?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the under-production of platelets?

Hemophilia Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Greenhouse Effect have on Earth’s temperature?

It increases the average temperature. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes contributes to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

Decomposition Signup and view all the answers

What is ammonification?

Release of ammonia from decomposed tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of fertilizers in soil?

Feed the plant with essential nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nitrogen cycle processes is incorrectly paired with its function?

Nitrification - converts nitrates into nitrogen gas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be stored substantially in bogs?

Carbon in inorganic form Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the aorta in the circulatory system?

To transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone primarily regulates the permeability of the collecting duct to water?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of appendicitis?

Pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the filtration process in the nephron?

Water, salts, and urea are removed from the blood Signup and view all the answers

How does the loop of Henle contribute to water reabsorption?

By descending into the salty medulla increasing osmotic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of gut bacteria in digestion?

To aid in the breakdown of undigested food and produce vitamins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about diabetes insipidus is correct?

It is due to a defect in ADH production Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of aldosterone in the nephron?

It makes the distal convoluted tubule more permeable to salt Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the kidney to the ureter?

Renal pelvis Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the presence of blood in urine?

Possible damage in the urinary tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of antibodies in the bloodstream?

To neutralize or kill foreign proteins called antigens Signup and view all the answers

Why are vaccines effective in preventing diseases?

They help the body recognize and remember the antigens from deactivated pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a person with type A blood receives type B blood?

Antibodies in type A blood attack the B-antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the diaphragm during inhalation?

It contracts to create a pressure difference for air intake Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of erythroblastosis fetalis in pregnancies?

It results from an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive baby in subsequent pregnancies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in the blood?

To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of blood type O-?

It lacks all antigens on RBCs and can donate to any blood type Signup and view all the answers

Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea?

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in respiratory function?

It enhances the conversion of carbon dioxide into carbonic acid Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the respiratory system is primarily involved in gas exchange?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What happens during exhalation in the respiratory system?

Diaphragm relaxes, increasing pressure in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

How do intercostal muscles assist in breathing?

They expand and contract the rib cage to facilitate lung volume changes Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity is primarily involved in allergic reactions?

Humoral immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about blood antigens is true?

Type O blood has no antigens on RBCs Signup and view all the answers

What function does the medulla oblongata serve in the respiratory system?

Regulates breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes tidal volume?

The volume of air in a normal breath in and out Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of hypoxia on the respiratory system?

Increases breathing rate Signup and view all the answers

Which type of carbohydrate consists of two monosaccharides?

Disaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Decrease the activation energy of reactants Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to triglycerides during dehydration synthesis?

They bond with glycerol Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of unsaturated fats?

Contain at least one double bond Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bile salts in digestion?

To emulsify fats Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the esophageal sphincter during digestion?

It relaxes to allow food entry into the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What defines residual volume in the lungs?

Air that remains after forceful expiration Signup and view all the answers

In the digestive process, where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

Small intestine Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the digestive system is responsible for secreting bicarbonate ions?

Pancreas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of amylase in digestion?

To break down starches into sugars Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Open and Closed Systems

Open System: Energy and matter can move freely in and out of the system. Examples include lakes and oceans.
Closed System: Matter cannot move in or out of the system but energy can. An example is Earth, where energy from the sun passes through but matter movement is typically limited.

Earth Systems

Biosphere: All parts of Earth where life exists. Includes all ecosystems.
Lithosphere: Earth's solid outer layer, made of soil, rocks, and minerals.
Hydrosphere: The collection of all water on Earth.
Atmosphere: Earth's gaseous envelope.
Sun: Primary energy source for all life on Earth. 50% of solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface, 30% reflected and 20% absorbed by the atmosphere.
Albedo: The reflectivity of a surface. High albedo surfaces (like snow) reflect more incoming solar radiation. Low albedo surfaces (like dark soil) absorb more.

Organization of the Biosphere

Biosphere: All parts of Earth where life exists.
Ecosystem: A community and its abiotic factors (non-living).
Community: Various species living together in the same area and time.
Population: Organisms of the same species in the same area and time.
Species: Organisms that can interbreed naturally to produce fertile offspring.
Individual Organism: A single member of a species.
Organ Systems: Groups of organs working together for a shared function.
Organ: Groups of tissues working together.
Tissue: Groups of cells working together.
Cell: The fundamental unit of life.

Autotrophs/Producers

Autotrophs: Organisms that obtain energy from light (phototrophs) or non-organic energy sources (chemotrophs).
Producers: Convert non-organic compounds into complex organic forms. Form the first trophic level of any food web or chain.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Abiotic factors: Non-living factors like temperature, sunlight, altitude, pH and water.
Biotic factors: Living factors like competition, food sources, and mates.

DDT and Bioaccumulation/Magnification

DDT: An insecticide that was once widely used but has had detrimental effects on the ecosystem and food web.
Bioaccumulation: Toxins build up in the tissues of a single organism.
Biomagnification (Bioamplification): Enlargement of toxins as they move up trophic levels in a food web.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Essential elements are recycled in biogeochemical cycles. These cycles involve biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

Hydrological Cycle

Water: Essential for life, has unique properties like high specific heat and polarity.
Hydrogen bonds: Create water's high melting/boiling points.
Properties of Water:
- Absorbs, releases, and moderates thermal energy.
- A universal solvent.
- Makes up a major component of cells.
- Crucial in photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Processes in the Hydrological Cycle: Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, percolation, runoff , leaching.

Freshwater Sources

Surface water: Precipitation that collects on the surface of the Earth.
Groundwater: Water that has seeped into the ground.
Aquifer: A body of permeable rock that transmits groundwater.
Water table: The upper surface of the zone of saturation.

Acid Deposition

Acid rain: Pollutants from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes react with water in the atmosphere forming acid.
Sources of Acid Rain Pollutants: Coal-burning power plants, metal smelters, oil refineries, and nitrogen fertilizers.
Impacts of Acid Rain: Kills fish, soil bacteria, and other organisms, and leaches out heavy metals from the soil into waterways.

Carbon Cycle

Carbon reservoirs: Atmosphere, oceans, and Earth's crust.
Carbon sources: Respiration, decomposition, burning fossil fuels.
Carbon sinks: Oceans, forests, and soil.
Greenhouse effect: Key role of CO2 in regulating Earth's temperature.
Fossil fuels: Nonrenewable energy sources that release carbon into the atmosphere when burned.

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen fixation: Converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable ammonia.
Ammonification: Conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia.
Nitrification: Conversion of ammonia into nitrates.
Denitrification: Conversion of nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.

Taxonomy

Binomial nomenclature: The two-part naming system (genus and species). e.g., Homo sapiens
Taxonomic ranks: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species (remember the mnemonic).
Three Domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.
- Bacteria/Archaea: Prokaryotic cells (lack a nucleus).
- Eukarya: Eukaryotic cells possessing a nucleus

Competition

Intraspecific competition: Competition among members of the same species (e.g., for mates or resources).
Interspecific competition: Competition between members of different species (e.g., for food or habitat).

Ecology

Biotic potential: Maximum reproductive rate under ideal conditions.
Carrying capacity: Maximum population size an environment can support.
Law of the minimum: The growth rate of a population is limited by the scarcest resource.
Law of tolerance: Organisms can survive only within a certain range of an abiotic factor.

Density-dependent and Density-independent Factors

Density-dependent: Factors whose effect depends on population size (e.g., disease, competition for resources).
Density-independent: Factors that affect population size regardless of density (e.g., natural disasters).

Evolution

Natural selection: Favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Artificial selection: Humans choosing traits for desired characteristics in organisms.
Vestigial traits: Structures that have lost their original function.
Variation & mutations: Variations are created due to small changes in genetic material called mutations

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + Light energy →C6H12O6 + 6O2
Chlorophyll: Primary pigment in photosynthesis, absorbs light energy.
Cellular Respiration: Breaks down glucose to produce ATP (energy).
ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, energy currency of the cell.
Stages of Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Oxidative Phosphorylation.
Anabolic/Catabolic Pathways: Photosynthesis (anabolic), respiration (catabolic)

Motor System

Sliding filament theory: Muscle contraction involves the interaction of actin and myosin filaments, requiring ATP and calcium ions.

Circulatory System

Pulmonary circuit: Transports deoxygenated blood to the lungs and oxygenated blood back to the heart.
Systemic circuit: Transports oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Heart chambers: Right/left atria, right/left ventricles, and the septum, valves (atrioventricular and semilunar).
Blood vessels: Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.
Blood Composition: Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Immune System

Lymphatic system: Composed of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, where leukocytes mature and are produced. Lymph nodes swell when fighting off infection due to lymphocyte production.
Immune defenses: First (skin, mucus membranes), second (phagocytes), and third lines (antibody-mediated immunity; T and B cells; antibodies and antigens).
Vaccines: Introduce a deactivated pathogen to stimulate the immune system without causing disease.
Antibodies and antigens: Antigens: Foreign proteins; Antibodies: Recognize and attack antigens.

Respiratory System

Respiratory tract: Series of structures responsible for gas exchange (nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli).
Gas exchange: Oxygen enters the blood, and CO2 leaves the blood.
Hemoglobin: Binds oxygen (oxyhemoglobin) and transports it to tissues as well as CO2 in blood (carbaminohemoglobin).
Breathing mechanism: Driven by diaphragm and intercostal muscles, controlling air pressure in the lungs.

Excretory System

Filtration: Blood components are filtered through the nephrons, producing a filtrate.
Reabsorption: Essential substances are reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Secretion: Substances are actively transported from the blood into the nephron.
Urine formation: Formation of urine through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion processes in the kidneys.
Nephron parts: glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal/distal convoluted tubules, loop of Henle, collecting duct
Kidneys' hormones: ADH (antidiuretic hormone), aldosterone regulate water and salt reabsorption.
Diabetes: Issues with insulin (diabetes mellitus) and ADH (diabetes insipidus) affect glucose regulation and urine output.

Digestive system

Digestion: Breaking down food into absorbable nutrients.
Organs: mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small/large intestines, rectum, anus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.
Enzymes: Speed up reactions, needed for digestion, secreted by various organs (pancreas, liver).
Peristalsis: Muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
Bolus/Chyme: Food masses during different stages of digestion.

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Test your knowledge on key concepts in Earth Science, including the characteristics of open systems, the Earth's lithosphere, and the effects of solar energy and albedo. Explore the consequences of melting arctic ice in this informative quiz.