C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter

Question 1

Ecosystems as Open Systems

Answer 1

Systems that exchange both energy and matter with their surroundings

Question 2

Role of Sunlight in Ecosystems

Answer 2

The primary source of energy for most ecosystems

Question 3

Food Chains

Answer 3

Models illustrating the flow of energy through a sequence of organisms

Question 4

Food Webs

Answer 4

Complex models of interconnected food chains

Question 5

Thermodynamics in Biology

Answer 5

Study of energy flows through biological systems

Question 6

Decomposers

Answer 6

Organisms that break down dead matter, recycling essential nutrients

Question 7

Autotrophs

Answer 7

Organisms that produce organic compounds from inorganic molecules using external energy sources

Question 8

Heterotrophs

Answer 8

Organisms relying on consuming others for energy and nutrients

Question 9

Photoautotrophs

Answer 9

Organisms that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds

Question 10

Chemoautotrophs

Answer 10

Organisms obtaining energy through oxidation of inorganic compounds

Question 11

Trophic Levels

Answer 11

Categories of organisms in a food chain based on their source of energy

Question 12

Energy Pyramids

Answer 12

Representation of energy availability at each trophic level

Question 13

Biomass

Answer 13

The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume

Question 14

Energy Transfer

Answer 14

Movement of energy through trophic levels

Question 15

Dietary Flexibility

Answer 15

Ability of organisms to occupy more than one trophic level

Question 16

Inefficient Energy Conversion

Answer 16

Loss of energy during transfer between trophic levels

Question 17

Metabolic Processes

Answer 17

Biological processes consuming energy

Question 18

Heat Dissipation

Answer 18

Loss of energy as heat during energy conversion

Question 19

Incomplete Consumption

Answer 19

Not all parts of prey are consumed, leading to energy loss

Question 20

Inefficient Digestion

Answer 20

Inability to absorb all energy from consumed food

Question 21

Primary Production

Answer 21

Rate at which producers like plants and algae accumulate carbon compounds in their biomass.

Question 22

Secondary Production

Answer 22

Rate at which consumers assimilate carbon compounds into their biomass.

Question 23

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

Answer 23

Energy available to consumers after subtracting energy losses used by autotrophs for their metabolic processes

Question 24

Photosynthesis

Answer 24

Process where autotrophs convert CO2 and water into glucose using sunlight.

Question 25

Carbon Cycle

Answer 25

Process by which carbon atoms are recycled and exchanged between Earth’s systems

Question 26

Carbon Sink

Answer 26

Environment that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases

Question 27

Carbon Source

Answer 27

Process or location that releases more carbon into the atmosphere than it absorbs.

Question 28

Chemosynthesis

Answer 28

Process where bacteria convert inorganic molecules into organic compounds without sunlight

Question 29

Fossil Fuels

Answer 29

Natural fuels formed from ancient organic matter; major source of carbon emissions when burned

Question 30

Greenhouse Effect

Answer 30

Process where Earth’s atmosphere traps heat, contributing to global warming

Question 31

Deforestation

Answer 31

Removal of large areas of forest, impacting carbon sinks and contributing to climate change.

Question 32

Keeling Curve

Answer 32

Graph showing increasing concentrations of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere over time

Question 33

Biomass Combustion

Answer 33

Burning organic materials, releasing CO2 and affecting carbon cycle

Question 34

Climate Change

Answer 34

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place

Question 35

Photosynthesis and Respiration Link

Answer 35

Cyclical relationship where photosynthesis produces oxygen and respiration produces CO2

Question 36

Nutrient Cycling

Answer 36

Recycling process of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through ecosystems

Question 37

Sustainable Ecosystem

Answer 37

Ecosystem that maintains its diversity and productivity over time

Question 38

Biodiversity

Answer 38

Variety of different types of life found in an area

Question 39

Ecological Balance

Answer 39

State of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in a habitat or ecosystem