Energy in Ecosystems

atmosphere

A mixture of gases that surrounds Earth's surface

Biosphere

part of Earth in which life exists including land, water, and air or atmosphere

geosphere

The mostly solid, rocky part of the Earth; extends from the center of the core to the surface of the crust.

hydrosphere

All the water on earth

water cycle

The continual movement of water among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surface through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

Condensation

The change of state from a gas to a liquid

Precipitation

rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.

Runoff

Water that moves across the land surface and into streams and rivers

nitrogen cycle

The movement of nitrogen around the biosphere

oxygen-carbon cycle

Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between organisms and the environment

Consumer

An organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms

Producer

An organism that can make its own food.

energy flow

the movement of energy through an ecosystem

food chain

series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

food web

a system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.