Environmental Systems and Energy Flow

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Questions and Answers

Which abiotic factor is NOT considered a key factor in ecosystem dynamics?

Humidity

Predation (correct)

Salinity

Temperature

What does the law of the minimum state regarding nutrient supply?

Nutrients in sufficient supply promote the fastest growth.

Nutrient supply is irrelevant to plant growth.

All nutrients must be in excess for growth.

The nutrient with the least availability restricts growth. (correct)

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor?

Food and water shortage (correct)

Natural disasters

Climate change

Habitat destruction

What defines carrying capacity in an ecosystem?

The maximum individuals of a single species that can be supported. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is an example of a vestigial trait?

Whale's pelvis. Signup and view all the answers

How do mutations contribute to variation within a species?

They introduce small genetic changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes analogous structures?

Similar structures evolved independently for similar functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle behind artificial selection?

It involves human intervention to favor specific traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of groundwater?

Water that has moved down through soil Signup and view all the answers

Which soil type allows water to percolate the fastest?

Sand and gravel Signup and view all the answers

What defines the water table in geological terms?

The upper surface of the zone of saturation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is exacerbated by acid precipitation?

Leaching of heavy metals from soil Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary gases responsible for the formation of acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides Signup and view all the answers

How do alkaline soils affect acid precipitation?

They neutralize acids before they runoff Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes bioaccumulation?

Increase in chemical concentration in organisms over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of photosynthesis in relation to the carbon cycle?

It releases oxygen and consumes carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Killer T-cells in the immune response?

To kill and destroy infected or cancerous cells Signup and view all the answers

How do Plasma cells contribute to the immune response?

They produce antibodies that identify specific pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What role do Suppressor T-cells play in the immune system?

To ensure healthy cells are not destroyed Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Memory B-cells from Plasma cells?

Memory B-cells do not exist in circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a vaccine?

To stimulate the production of antibodies by exposing the body to antigens Signup and view all the answers

How do antibodies and antigens interact in the immune response?

Antibodies bind to antigens to neutralize pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the deterioration of antibodies over time?

The requirement for booster shots after some years Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of HIV on the immune system?

It specifically targets and kills T-cells, weakening the immune response Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of chloroplasts within the palisade mesophyll layer?

Convert sunlight into chemical energy Signup and view all the answers

During cellular respiration, what is produced as a byproduct in the light-dependent reactions?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements characterizes anabolic pathways?

They consume energy to synthesize molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of glycolysis called?

Investment stage Signup and view all the answers

LEO the lion says GER is a mnemonic for understanding which concepts in cellular respiration?

Reduction involves gaining electrons Signup and view all the answers

What molecule is formed from G3P during glycolysis that is essential for further energy production?

Pyruvate Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of a leaf contains the most chloroplasts, aiding in photosynthesis?

Palisade mesophyll Signup and view all the answers

What happens to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) when it is used for energy in cellular processes?

It loses a phosphate and becomes ADP Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the epiglottis?

To prevent food from entering the trachea Signup and view all the answers

How does air flow into the lungs during inhalation?

As a result of a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What function do the bronchioles serve in the respiratory system?

They branch from the bronchi and lead to alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for gas exchange in the lungs?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What are intercostal muscles responsible for?

Assisting the diaphragm in moving air in and out of the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Why is the trachea structured with rigid cartilage?

To prevent collapse during inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the diaphragm relaxes?

Air is forced out of the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ciliated cells in the nostrils?

To secrete mucus and keep pathogens out Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the excretory system?

To filter blood and remove wastes and excess nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is produced by gut bacteria that assists in digestion?

Vitamins B-12 and K Signup and view all the answers

Where does blood exit the kidney after being filtered?

Through renal veins Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water and salt?

Proximal convoluted tubule Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a potential issue in the urinary tract when found in urine?

Presence of blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bile salts in digestion?

To emulsify lipids Signup and view all the answers

How does water absorption primarily occur in the ascending limb of the Loop of Henle?

Not at all, it's impermeable to water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the appendix?

To store digestion-aiding bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Open Systems

Open systems allow energy and matter to transfer between the system and its surroundings.
Examples include a lake or an ocean.

Closed Systems

Matter can transfer between a closed system and its surroundings, but energy transfers freely.
The Earth is an example of a closed system.

Biosphere

The biosphere encompasses all areas where life exists on Earth, including all ecosystems.

Lithosphere

The lithosphere is Earth's solid, outer layer primarily composed of soil, rocks, and minerals.

Hydrosphere

The hydrosphere comprises all of Earth's water.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding Earth.

The Sun

Solar radiation is the primary energy source for life on Earth.
50% of solar energy is absorbed by Earth's surface.
30% of solar energy is reflected.
20% of solar energy is absorbed by the atmosphere.

Albedo

Albedo is the proportion of solar energy reflected by clouds, water, and land.
High albedo surfaces, like ice, reflect more sunlight.
Low albedo surfaces, like grasslands, absorb more sunlight.

Organization of the Biosphere

Biosphere: All life on Earth.
Ecosystem: A community and its abiotic factors.
Community: Multiple species living together.
Population: Members of the same species.
Species: Groups of organisms that interbreed naturally to produce fertile offspring.
Individual Organisms: Single members of a species.
Organ Systems: Groups of organs working together.
Organs: Groups of tissues working together.
Tissues: Groups of cells working similarly.
Cells: The smallest functional unit of life.

Autotrophs/Producers

Phototrophs: Obtain energy from light.
Chemotrophs: Obtain energy from non-organic sources.
Convert non-organic compounds into organic forms.
Support all other trophic levels.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Abiotic: Non-living components (e.g., space, temperature).
Biotic: Living components (e.g., food, competition).

DDT

This pesticide was effective in reducing mosquito populations.
However, it had lasting negative effects on the food web.
The pesticide harmed cats, causing an increase in rodent populations.
DDT reduced calcium in birds' eggs, weakening them and decreasing egg laying rates; contributing to the near-extinction of the bald eagle..

Accumulation and Amplification

Bioaccumulation: Toxins build up in a single organism's tissues.
Biomagnification: Toxins increase across trophic levels.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Nutrient circuits involve both biotic and abiotic factors.
These cycles are essential for life on Earth.

Digestion and Decay

Digestion breaks down complex organic molecules into simpler ones.
Decays are broken down by decomposers and become components of the living world.

Hydrological Cycle

Water is a polar molecule with unique properties supporting life.
Absorbs, releases, and moderates heat.
Solvent for metabolic reactions.
Makes up greater than 60% of cell mass.
Critical for photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Water Molecules

Held together by covalent bonds.
High melting/boiling points due to hydrogen bonds
High heat capacity
Universal solvent
Maintains global heat balance.

Water Cycle Processes

Evapotranspiration: Water released from plants.
Precipitation: Water falling as rain or snow.
Percolation: Water moving through soil.
Leaching: Nutrients being removed from soil.
Evaporation: Liquid turning into vapor.
Condensation: Vapor turning into liquid.
Surface water: Precipitation above ground.
Groundwater: Water moving through soil.

Water Table and Aquifer

Water table: Upper layer of saturated zone with groundwater.
Aquifer: Permeable rock that contains groundwater.

Acid Rain

Released when fossil fuels are burned.
Formed from sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) which react with water in the atmosphere.
Causes acid rain by making water acidic harming organisms.

Carbon and Oxygen Cycle

Plants convert carbon dioxide and energy into glucose.
Animals perform cellular respiration, producing carbon dioxide and energy.
Soil organisms break down dead organic matter, releasing carbon back into the ecosystem.
Oxygen is crucial for photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
The cycling of oxygen is a part of the carbon cycle.

Fossil Fuels

Formed from dead organisms over time.
Burned releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Disrupt the dynamic equilibrium of the carbon cycle, contributing to climate change
Non-renewable energy source

Greenhouse Effect

Carbon dioxide traps energy in the atmosphere, increasing Earth's temperature.
A natural process essential to life, but human activities are leading to a stronger effect.

Inorganic Carbon Reservoirs

Atmosphere
Oceans
Earth's crust

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen fixation: Atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia.
Ammonification: decomposers convert nitrogen waste into ammonia.
Nitrification: Bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites then nitrates.
Denitrification: Converting nitrates to atmospheric nitrogen.

Nitrogen Fixation

Process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia.
90% is by bacteria, 10% is due to lightning.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are in legume roots.

Ammonium

Ammonification: organisms convert nitrogen-containing waste into ammonia.
Key intermediary in the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrification

Two-step process converting ammonium into nitrates by bacteria.
Crucial for plant uptake and use of nitrogen.

Denitrification

Specialized bacteria convert nitrates into atmospheric nitrogen, completing the cycle.

Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Natural fertilizers include manure.

Taxonomy

Binomial nomenclature: Naming organisms using genus and species (e.g., Homo sapiens).
Taxonomic ranks: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species (remember Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup).

Intraspecific and Interspecific Competition

Intraspecific competition: Competition among members of the same species.
Interspecific competition: Competition among members of different species.

Ecotones

Transitional zones between ecosystems, characterized by high species diversity.
Organisms from different ecosystems may move back and forth in these areas.

Ecological Niches

An organism's role in an ecosystem, including its habitat, breeding area, and position in the food web.
Competition among species for niches is common phenomenon that may lead to a variety of outcomes.

Invasive Species

Foreign species can cause disruptions to an ecosystem by outcompeting native species.
These species may carry diseases, overpopulate, and disrupt balance to native populations.
Can have detrimental impact on existing populations and or even the ecosystem as a whole.

Limiting Factors

Environmental factors that can restrict population growth.
Density-dependent factors are affected by population size (e.g., competition, disease, predation)
Density-independent factors affect populations regardless of size (e.g., natural disasters).

Biotic Potential

The maximum rate at which a population can increase in size.

Artificial selection

Humans select traits in a population they want to reproduce; forcing evolution in a specific direction.

Gradualism & Punctuated Equilibrium

Gradualism: Gradual changes in a species over a long period of time.
Punctuated equilibrium: Rapid speciation after long periods of no change.

Speciation

The formation of new species from pre-existing ones.

Photosynthesis

Converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose using light energy.
Essential for producing energy for life on Earth.

Parts of Chloroplast

Thylakoid membranes: Where the light-dependent reactions occur.
Grana: Stacks of thylakoids.
Stroma: The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids.
Chlorophyll: The pigment that absorbs light energy.

Cellular Respiration

Breaks down glucose into ATP , releasing energy within the cell which powers processes of the organism.

Stages of Glycolysis

The process of breaking glucose into pyruvate.
Two major stages: investment and payoff stages

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions where acetyl CoA is oxidized and energy is released.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of aerobic cellular respiration, where electrons are transferred in order to produce ATP

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound organelles
Eukaryotic cells do have membrane bound organelles.

Motor System

Voluntary and involuntary movements in mammals.

Pulmonary and Systemic Circuits

Blood flows through the lungs (pulmonary).
Blood flows through the body (systemic).

Heart Valves

Atrioventricular and Semilunar Valves preventing backflow of blood.

ECG

Electrocardiogram measures heart activity.

Blood Vessels

Capillaries allow gas exchange between blood and tissues.
Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.
Veins: Carry blood toward the heart.
Arterioles: Small arteries.

Blood Composition

Plasma (liquid portion).
Red blood cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen.
White blood cells (WBCs): Part of the immune system.
Platelets: Involved in blood clotting.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen.

Blood Clotting

A series of events stopping blood loss following an injury.

Lymphatic System

Lymph vessels help maintain fluid balance and fight infection.

Immune Defense

First line: External barriers (skin, mucous membranes).
Second line: Non-specific immune response (phagocytes).
Third line: Specific immunity (antibodies, lymphocytes).

Antibodies and Antigens

Antibodies: Proteins recognizing and disabling pathogens.
Antigens: Foreign substances triggering immune responses.

ABO Blood Groups

Blood groups differing by surface proteins.
Individuals have differing antibodies and antigens in their blood.

Respiratory System

Oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles are key components essential for respiration in mammals.

Gas Exchange

Exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the lungs and blood.

Spirometry

Measures respiratory volumes

Breathing Mechanism

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles regulate breathing.

Biochemistry

The study of the chemical composition and processes within living organisms especially the molecules of life (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids).

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Description

This quiz explores various environmental systems including open and closed systems, the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and the role of the Sun. It examines how these systems interact and the flow of energy within them. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts of earth sciences.