Ecology Chapter 1: Energy Transfer in the Biosphere

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of energy for Earth?

Solar energy (correct)

Geothermal energy

Wind energy

Nuclear energy

Which organisms are classified as producers?

Plants and some bacteria (correct)

Animals and fungi

Decomposers and scavengers

Carnivores and herbivores

What are the products of photosynthesis?

Oxygen and water

Carbohydrates and carbon dioxide

Oxygen and carbohydrates (correct)

Carbohydrates, oxygen, and water

In the context of energy absorption, what do high albedo surfaces do?

Reflect a significant amount of solar energy Signup and view all the answers

Which process is carried out by chemoautotrophs?

Chemosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What do all living things convert into usable energy?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms are photoautotrophs?

Organisms that use sunlight to produce energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

The products of one are the reactants of the other Signup and view all the answers

What does ecology primarily study?

The interactions between living things and their non-living environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is considered biotic?

Competition among species Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to describe the non-living components of an ecosystem?

Abiotic factors Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an open system?

Both energy and matter can be exchanged with the surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process of thermal energy transfer that occurs in solids and liquids?

Conduction Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the biosphere includes all of Earth’s water?

Hydrosphere Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'ecology' and in which year?

Ernst Haeckel, 1866 Signup and view all the answers

At which trophic level would you typically find herbivores?

2nd trophic level Signup and view all the answers

The gaseous part of Earth, primarily concentrated within 10 km of the surface, is known as what?

Atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

How much energy from one trophic level is typically available for the next trophic level?

10% Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism forms currents through the movement of particles in fluids?

Convection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an abiotic factor?

Bacterial population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding energy transfer at trophic levels is correct?

Only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next level. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes organisms that can produce their own energy through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis?

Producers Signup and view all the answers

What limits the number of organisms and trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Energy availability and its transfer efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is NOT part of the continuous cycle in an ecosystem?

Halting of growth Signup and view all the answers

What are the key reactants in the chemosynthesis equation?

6CO2 and 6H2O Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about photosynthesis and chemosynthesis?

Both use carbon dioxide and water as reactants. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of consumer primarily feeds on other animals?

Carnivores Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

They obtain energy by absorbing leftover dead matter. Signup and view all the answers

Which law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed?

1st Law of Thermodynamics Signup and view all the answers

What form of energy is generally considered 'wasted' in energy transformations?

Heat energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes best describes thermal energy transfer through direct contact?

Conduction Signup and view all the answers

In the context of radiation, what happens when energy is absorbed by a substance?

The kinetic energy of particles increases. Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: Energy Transfer in the Biosphere

Ecology is the study of relationships between living things (biotic) and their non-living surroundings (abiotic).
The term "ecology" was coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.
Ecology encompasses various aspects including nature, with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), mathematics, and sciences like biology, physics, chemistry, geology, as well as sub-disciplines like oceanography and environmental science.
Ecology also comprises technology (like engineering and resource management) and culture (spirituality, religion, etc.).

Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Biotic factors are all living components within an ecosystem.
Living organisms, their relationships (like photosynthesis and respiration), and processes like growth, reproduction, parasitism, disease, and competition.
Abiotic factors are all non-living components.
Examples include temperature, sunlight, water, wind, humidity, rock, soil, salinity, water movement, and pH.

Energy Transfer in the Biosphere

Earth is a closed system, meaning matter is not exchanged with surroundings, and energy cycles between Earth's components.
Solar energy enters the atmosphere, and some is reflected/radiated back into space.
Some energy is converted to other forms, and some is also lost as thermal energy.

The Need for Energy

All organisms require energy for growth, maintenance, reproduction, and movement.
Organisms obtain energy primarily from the sun.

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Producers (plants, algae, bacteria) convert sunlight energy into chemical energy (carbohydrates) through photosynthesis.
All living things use energy from carbohydrates through cellular respiration.
Reactions are complementary—products of one are reactants for the other.

Energy in the Deep Ocean

Chemoautotrophs (in deep-sea vents) use chemical energy (like hydrogen sulfide) instead of sunlight for photosynthesis.
This process is similar to but different from standard photosynthesis in terms of the energy sources utilized and the by-products produced.

Consumers and Trophic Levels

Consumers: Heterotrophs — must consume other autotrophs or heterotrophs for energy (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores).
Decomposers: Obtain energy by digesting dead matter (bacteria, fungi), breaking down organic molecules, and returning inorganic matter to the environment for reuse.
Detrivores: Feed on small particles of decomposing or dead matter.
Scavengers: Consume large particles of dead matter.

The Fate of Energy in the Biosphere

The amount of energy available decreases as you move up the trophic levels.
Approximately 10% of energy is transferred to the next higher level, the rest is lost as heat.

Laws of Thermodynamics

First Law: Energy cannot be created or destroyed—it can only be converted from one form to another.
Second Law: No energy transformation is 100% efficient; some energy is lost (often as heat during conversions).

Food Chains and Food Webs

Food chains represent the linear flow of energy from one organism to another.
Food webs represent all the interconnected energy transfer pathways (including the various trophic levels for a variety of organisms).
Consumers feed in multiple pathways, so there are multiple branches for a food web. Producers are always at the first trophic level.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ecology in this quiz based on Chapter 1. Understand the relationships between biotic and abiotic factors that shape ecosystems and delve into the integration of various scientific disciplines. Test your knowledge of energy transfer and the components that influence ecological balance.