NS Exam Study Notes

Photosynthesis

Process where plants make glucose using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water

Respiration

Process where cells release energy from glucose

Photosynthesis equation

Carbon dioxide + water -> (sunlight) -> glucose + oxygen

Respiration equation

glucose + oxygen --> carbon dioxide + water + energy

How to test starch in a leaf

Use iodine solution - turns blue-black if starch is present

How to test for carbon dioxide

Bubble gas through limewater - turns milky if CO₂ is present.

Ecosystem

A community of organisms interacting with their environment

Biotic

Living components (plants, animals).

Abiotic

Non-living components (soil, water, temperature).

Ecological Levels

organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere

Feeding Relationships (Producers)

Plants (make their own food).

Feeding Relationships (Consumers)

Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores.

Feeding Relationships (Decomposers)

Break down dead matter (e.g., fungi).

Symbiotic Relationships (Mutualism)

both benefit

Symbiotic Relationships (Commensalism)

one benefits, other unaffected

Symbiotic Relation ships (Parasitism)

one benefits, other harmed

Food Chain

Shows energy flow (e.g., Grass → Rabbit → Fox).

Food Web

Interconnected food chains.

Energy Transfer in Food Pyramids

Only 10% of energy passes to the next trophic level.

( On calc: 10,000 x 0.10 = 1,000: Which is 10% of something )

Conservation of Ecosystems

Reduce pollution, protect habitats, sustainable resource use

Sampling Methods

Quadrats: Count organisms in a square area, then estimate total population.

Microorganisms

Bacteria, viruses, fungi - some useful (decomposition), some harmful (diseases).

Scientific Method (Steps)

Question, Research, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analyze the Data, Conclusion

Atomic Mass =

protons + neutrons