Ecosystems are complex networks of living organisms interacting with each other and their environment. A key aspect of these interactions is the cycling of matter and the flow of energy. Matter is recycled within ecosystems, while energy flows through them, typically entering through sunlight and exiting as heat. This review will explore how processes like photosynthesis, aerobic respiration, and anaerobic respiration contribute to these cycles, helping to maintain the balance of ecosystems.
Cycling of Matter: In an ecosystem, matter is constantly recycled. Elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen move between the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts of the ecosystem. For example, carbon cycles through plants, animals, and the atmosphere in different forms, such as carbon dioxide and organic molecules.
Flow of Energy: Energy flows through an ecosystem in a one-way direction, starting with the input of sunlight. Plants and other photosynthesizing organisms capture this energy and convert it into chemical energy stored in glucose. This energy is then passed on to other organisms when they consume plants or other organisms.
Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process introduces energy into the ecosystem and forms the basis of the food chain.
Aerobic Respiration: Aerobic respiration is the process by which organisms, including plants and animals, break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy. This energy is used to power the organism's activities, and the byproducts are carbon dioxide and water, which are released back into the environment.
Anaerobic Respiration: Anaerobic respiration is a type of respiration that occurs without oxygen. It is less efficient than aerobic respiration and produces different byproducts, such as lactic acid or ethanol, depending on the organism.
Energy Flow in Food Chains: Energy captured by plants through photosynthesis is passed along the food chain as animals consume plants and other animals. With each transfer, some energy is lost as heat, so energy flow through ecosystems is not perfectly efficient.
The cycling of matter refers to the continuous movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen between the living and non-living parts of an ecosystem.
Energy flows through an ecosystem starting with sunlight, which is captured by plants during photosynthesis. This energy is then passed on to other organisms through the food chain, and some is lost as heat at each step.
Photosynthesis captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy stored in glucose, providing the primary energy source for the ecosystem.
Aerobic respiration is the process by which organisms break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy. It is important because it provides the energy needed for life processes.
Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and is less efficient than aerobic respiration. It produces different byproducts, such as lactic acid or ethanol.
Energy flow is not perfectly efficient because some energy is lost as heat at each step in the food chain.
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into glucose. When plants are consumed or decompose, carbon is released back into the environment.
The byproducts of aerobic respiration are carbon dioxide and water, which are released back into the environment.
The cycling of matter ensures that essential elements are continuously reused and available for living organisms, helping to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Photosynthesis is critical because it provides the energy that drives life processes and produces oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most organisms.
*continue your studies by accessing another review sheet below*
HS. Structure and Function: HS-LS1-1 : HS-LS1-2 : HS-LS1-3
HS. Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems: HS-LS1-5 : HS-LS1-6 : HS-LS1-7 : HS-LS2-3 : HS-LS2-4 : HS-LS2-5
HS. Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: HS-LS2-1 : HS-LS2-2 : HS-LS2-6 : HS-LS2-7 : HS-LS2-8
HS. Inheritance and Variation of Traits: HS-LS1-4 : HS-LS3-1 : HS-LS3-2 : HS-LS3-3 : HS-LS1-8
HS. Natural Selection and Evolution: HS-LS4-1 : HS-LS4-2 : HS-LS4-3 : HS-LS4-4 : HS-LS4-5
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to serve as a study guide based on a contextual analysis of the NGSS standards for the Life Science Biology assessment. These study guides should be used as a supplement to your overall study strategy, and their alignment to the actual test format is not guaranteed. We recommend that you consult with your instructor for additional guidance on exam preparation.