11-Ecosystem Ecology 2

Carbon is a fundamental element in all living things, forming the building blocks of macromolecules.

The process by which primary producers (plants) convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds via photosynthesis.

The process of breaking down organic carbon compounds (like glucose) to release energy for cellular activities.

The continuous movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs (atmosphere, oceans, organisms).

Two major forms of carbon found in the atmosphere.

Phosphorus is essential for cell structure and function. It's key for creating energy and forming cell membranes.

All the major components of living organisms, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, contain carbon.

The global carbon cycle is driven by biological, chemical, and physical processes like photosynthesis, decomposition, and the formation of carbonates.

The ocean holds the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth, with most of it stored in carbonate rocks and sediments.

The atmosphere contains a relatively small amount of carbon, but it's crucial for life and climate. Carbon exchanges rapidly between the atmosphere and other reservoirs.

Fossil fuels are a vast reservoir of carbon stored over millions of years. Burning fossil fuels releases this carbon back into the atmosphere.

Plants use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to build their own structures through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their tissues.

Animals and microorganisms breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere during respiration, breaking down organic matter.

The Industrial Revolution significantly increased carbon emissions due to the increased burning of fossil fuels, accelerating the release of carbon stored underground.

Carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water can react with water molecules to form carbonate ions, which can be used by marine organisms to build shells and skeletons.

When seawater becomes saturated with carbonate ions, some of them combine with calcium to form calcium carbonate, which can precipitate out and form sediments.

Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, contain carbon that was locked away for millions of years. Burning these fuels releases this ancient carbon into the atmosphere.

Before the Industrial Revolution, the carbon in fossil fuels wasn't actively cycling with the atmosphere. It was essentially trapped underground.

The burning of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources. Once consumed, they cannot be replenished on a human timescale.

The various processes within an ecosystem, like energy flow, nutrient cycling, and decomposition.

The benefits that humans derive from healthy ecosystems, such as clean air and water, pollination, and food production.

The loss of biodiversity can affect ecosystem functions and services. The exact relationship between biodiversity and function can vary.

Different relationships can exist between biodiversity and ecosystem function, including linear, accelerating, and saturating effects.

In a diverse ecosystem, the presence of highly productive species contributes to overall high productivity. It's like having a few star players on a team.

Different species utilize resources in different ways, minimizing competition and maximizing overall resource use. Like a puzzle, each piece fits perfectly.

The presence of multiple species ensures ecosystem function even if some species decline. It's like having backup plans.

Biodiversity loss negatively affects ecosystem function by reducing resource use, productivity, and stability.

Diverse communities are more productive due to a combination of highly productive species (sampling effect) and specialized resource use (complementarity).