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fandomhigh2006-02-06 09:24 am
equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2006-02-06 09:24 am
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Biology (2nd Period)
"Good morning. Today we will begin discussing the various ways living creatures use and transform energy."
Energy cycle: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates (which also releases oxygen into the atmosphere). Plants and photosynthetic bacteria transform energy from the sun into stored chemical energy, which is the foundation for virtually all food webs.
Water cycle: The refers to the circulation, transformation, and replenishment of fresh water from all of Earth’s ecosystems. Forests, for example, moderate water flows by catching, holding and recycling rainwater. Plants release absorbed rainwater into the air through the loss of water through their leaves, called transpiration. In addition, wetlands and estuaries purify water and control flooding. Cattails, for example, catch and filter rainfalls and stream flows, remove toxins and gradually release water into creeks and rivers.
Carbon and oxygen cycles: Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is generated by animal respiration, plant decay and the burning of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed into the oceans through photosynthesis by tiny sea-dwelling organisms called phytoplankton. Trees and plants store CO2 as carbohydrates or complex sugars, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, which provides us with a breathable atmosphere.
Nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen is needed by all organisms in order to live, and it makes up a large component of Earth’s atmosphere. In its natural atmospheric form, nitrogen isn’t directly accessible to most organisms, so it needs to be converted, primarily by bacteria which live on the roots of certain plants such as clover, alfalfa, peas and beans. These bacteria absorb nitrogen from the air and “fix” it into compounds like nitrate and ammonia -- which helps plants grow. Creatures feeding on these plants release nitrogen in their waste products, which decompose and are then recycled into the atmosphere in their original form.
Ecosystems provide numerous additional services to humans, animals and plants that we take for granted. For example, bacteria and soil organisms decompose waste products and create fertile soils in which crops can be grown. Pollinators such as bees ensure our food crops reproduce, while other animals such as bats, ladybugs and dragonflies control crop pests.
The daily activities of a diverse range of creatures helps keep ecosystems functioning. In turn, these ecosystems support life. Healthy ecosystems are more stable and more adaptable to any change, such as extreme events like drought or floods which can alter entire ecosystems.
Energy cycle: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates (which also releases oxygen into the atmosphere). Plants and photosynthetic bacteria transform energy from the sun into stored chemical energy, which is the foundation for virtually all food webs.
Water cycle: The refers to the circulation, transformation, and replenishment of fresh water from all of Earth’s ecosystems. Forests, for example, moderate water flows by catching, holding and recycling rainwater. Plants release absorbed rainwater into the air through the loss of water through their leaves, called transpiration. In addition, wetlands and estuaries purify water and control flooding. Cattails, for example, catch and filter rainfalls and stream flows, remove toxins and gradually release water into creeks and rivers.
Carbon and oxygen cycles: Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is generated by animal respiration, plant decay and the burning of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed into the oceans through photosynthesis by tiny sea-dwelling organisms called phytoplankton. Trees and plants store CO2 as carbohydrates or complex sugars, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, which provides us with a breathable atmosphere.
Nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen is needed by all organisms in order to live, and it makes up a large component of Earth’s atmosphere. In its natural atmospheric form, nitrogen isn’t directly accessible to most organisms, so it needs to be converted, primarily by bacteria which live on the roots of certain plants such as clover, alfalfa, peas and beans. These bacteria absorb nitrogen from the air and “fix” it into compounds like nitrate and ammonia -- which helps plants grow. Creatures feeding on these plants release nitrogen in their waste products, which decompose and are then recycled into the atmosphere in their original form.
Ecosystems provide numerous additional services to humans, animals and plants that we take for granted. For example, bacteria and soil organisms decompose waste products and create fertile soils in which crops can be grown. Pollinators such as bees ensure our food crops reproduce, while other animals such as bats, ladybugs and dragonflies control crop pests.
The daily activities of a diverse range of creatures helps keep ecosystems functioning. In turn, these ecosystems support life. Healthy ecosystems are more stable and more adaptable to any change, such as extreme events like drought or floods which can alter entire ecosystems.