2.3 Flows of Energy & Matter

Greenhouse gases

trap the heat that reflects back up into the atmosphere. In this way, they act like the glass walls of a greenhouse. This greenhouse effect keeps the Earth warm enough to sustain life. 

Productivity

The rate at which energy is added to the bodies of organisms in the form of biomass

Primary productivity

The amount of energy autotrophs gain

Secondary Productivity

The amount of energy heterothrophs gain

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)

Amount of glucose a produced by an autothroph

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

Amount of energy a plant gains after loss of energy through cellular respiration.

NPP = GPP - R (R = respatory loses)

Gross Secondary Productivity (GSP)

Amount of energy heterothrops gain

GSP = food eaten - fecal loss

Net Secondary Productivity (NSP)

Amount of energy heterothrops gain after loss of energy through cellular respiration.

NSP = GSP - R (R = respiration)

Carbon Cycle

Cycling of Carbon in the air

Nitrogen Cycle

Cycling of nitrogen in the air