Scribd
Upload
8 views2 pages

Chapter 4

The document defines key terms related to the greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. It then summarizes the roles of various organisms and processes in the carbon cycle. This includes how saprotrophs break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide, and how plants, consumers and decomposers uptake and release carbon through photosynthesis and respiration. The document also outlines how burning fossil fuels and forests has increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and the effects this can have on organisms and ecosystems.

Uploaded by

api-304486052
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views2 pages

Chapter 4

The document defines key terms related to the greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. It then summarizes the roles of various organisms and processes in the carbon cycle. This includes how saprotrophs break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide, and how plants, consumers and decomposers uptake and release carbon through photosynthesis and respiration. The document also outlines how burning fossil fuels and forests has increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and the effects this can have on organisms and ecosystems.

Uploaded by

api-304486052
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Term Definition

Greenhouse effect A naturally occurring effect by which longer wavelength radiation is trapped and
is caused by several gases

Greenhouse gases
- Methane, CFCs, Carbon dioxide, Nitrous oxide

Conditions that would increase the release of methane from dead organic
matter
- Anaerobic
- Warm
- Presence of methanogenic bacteria
- Waterlogged

Outline the impact of methane and CO2 on the greenhouse effect


- CO2 is the main greenhouse gas
- Methane contributes to the greenhouse effect

Explain the role of saprotrophs in recycling carbon


- Saprotrophs break down organic matter
- Releases enzymes into organic matter (Extracellular digestion)
- Release carbon dioxide
- Produce Carbon dioxide by respiration
- Carbon dioxide can then be used by plants/autotrophs

Suggest reasons for an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration


- Burning fossil fuels
- Burning forests
- Destruction of autotrophs that fix carbon dioxide

Effect of an increase in carbon dioxide concentration of carbon dioxide


on organisms in a pond
- Increased photosynthesis by plants
- Carbon dioxide used in photosynthesis
- Makes water more acidic
- Hinders growth of some plants as they cannot grow in acidic water
Outline the roles of living organisms in the carbon cycle
- Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis
- Plants produce carbon compounds from photosynthesis
- Plants are eaten by primary consumers
- Primary consumers are eaten by secondary consumers
- Carbon compounds are digested and absorbed by consumers
- Carbon dioxide is released by cell respiration in consumers
- Organisms die and are decomposed by saprotrophic bacteria/fungi
- Carbon dioxide is released by cell respiration in decomposers
- Enzymes are released to digest carbon compounds in organic matter
- Combustion releases carbon dioxide
- Humans burn fossil fuels adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

Outline ways in which leaves take part in the carbon cycle in ecosystems
- Leaves release carbon dioxide when they respire
- When they are burned
- Carbon is passed to decomposers when they die
- Carbon is passed to detritus feeders from leaf litter
- Carbon is passed to consumers in the food chain
- Carbon removed from the carbon cycle when leaves are fossilised

Outline how phosphate and nitrate ions are used in the synthesis of
organic molecules
- By photosynthesis
- Attached to carbon compounds
- Phosphates used to make DNA
- Nitrates are used to make amino acids/DNA
- Transported from roots to leaves

Outline the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in carbon


cycling and energy flow in food chains
- Nutrients are recycled (The carbon cycle)
- Some atmospheric carbon fixation through fossilisation
- Energy is not recycled
- In cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere
- Decomposers also release carbon dioxide from feeding on dead matter
- Process releases energy
- In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is fixed
- Photosynthesis is endothermic
- Light energy is converted to chemical energy
- Energy is made available to food chain
- Energy and carbon is passed through food chains
- Only 10-20% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next
- Remaining energy is released through cellular respiration

You might also like