AP Environmental Science Unit 1 - Matter and Energy Flow

Light Energy

Comes from sun; some species can store as chemical energy

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants, algae, some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, which is then used to produce glucose and other essential compounds for growth and development

CO₂ + H₂O + light energy

Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and O₂

Respiration

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ = CO₂ + H₂O + cellular energy

Biomass Unit

Kilocalorie

Net Primary Productivity

GPP (gross primary productivity) - Respiration

kcals in Gram of Biomass

4

Estuary

Mix of freshwater from rover and saltwater from sea

More Environmental Resilience

More diversity

Biodiversity

Describes enormous variety of life on earth

Species Richness

Refers to the number of different species in a given area; more species = higher species richness

Species Evenness

Species’ relative abundance in area

Ecosystem Resilience

Ability of an ecosystem to absorb change and return to the same equilibrium state after temperature disturbance; higher species diversity = more resilience

Niches

Used to classify species as either generalists or specialists

Specialists

Narrow niches; highly sensitive to habitat loss and picky

Generalists

Broad niches; adapt to habitat loss quickly

Ecosystem Cleanup

Humans benefit from it; natural processes that restore ecological balance and remove pollutants

Provisional Ecosystem Services

Resources that are provided by nature that we can use or eat

Regulating Ecosystem Services

Process that keep ecosystems healthy and functional

Supporting Ecosystem Services

Underlying natural processes that are foundation of ecosystems

Cultural Ecosystem Services

Provide meaning and inspiration to use, like art and music