B17: Ecosystems Flashcards
Describe the process of the water cycle.
Water evaporates into water vapour and rises into the atmosphere. Water can also evaporate from plants, called transpiration. The water vapour accumulates and condenses to form clouds. Later, the water falls as rain; precipitation and this seeps into soil. This process repeats
What are the 5 stores of carbon?
The air, plants, soil, fossil fuels and in animals
Why is recycling nutrients important for all living organisms?
It provides nutrients that living organisms use to grow and reproduce
Which process in the carbon cycle removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis
What 3 processes in the carbon cycle release carbon dioxide?
Respiration, decomposition and combustion
Which organisms decompose dead organic matter?
Bacteria and fungi
What is decompostion?
The process by which dead organic matter is broken down into simpler organic or inorganic substances
What 2 groups of organisms carry out decomposition?
Detritivores and decomposers
Give examples of detritivores and decomposers
Detritivores are worms and woodlice but decomposers are microorganisms like bacteria and fungi
What 3 factors affect the rate of decomposition?
Oxygen, temperature and water content
How does oxygen affect the rate of decomposition?
Higher oxygen would mean more aerobic respiration. This would mean there’s more energy available so faster growth and decomposition
How does temperature affect the rate of decomposition?
Higher temperature means more kinetic energy, leading to higher rates of reaction. This means there will be more decomposition
How does water content affect the rate of decomposition?
Decomposers need water to survive, rate of decomposition increases in moist conditions. However, if the soil becomes waterlogged, oxygen levels decrease.
What is compost?
A mixture of decayed organic material that is used to fertilise and improve soil
What is the main gas in biogas?
Methane
