SCS Final

Metabolic rate (R)

The rate at which the body uses energy.

Body energy balance equation

I = R + S/G, where energy intake = (heat + biological work) + storage/growth.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The amount of energy needed to maintain basic bodily functions while at rest.

Carbohydrates fuel value

4 kcal/g.

Fats and oils fuel value

9 kcal/g.

Proteins fuel value

4 kcal/g.

Non-digestible fiber fuel value

0.

Water fuel value

0.

Food Calories

A food calorie is equal to a kilocalorie.

Calories calculation

Based on multiplying the grams of nutrients by their kcal/g value.

Ectotherms

Creatures whose body temperature is regulated by the environment (cold-blooded).

Endotherms

Creatures whose body temperature is internally regulated (warm-blooded).

Hibernation

A survival strategy used by some mammals to conserve energy during scarce food conditions.

Gross Primary Production (GPP)

Total amount of glucose chemical energy produced in an entire plant community.

Respiration (R)

Energy needed to keep the plants alive.

Net Primary Production (NPP)

Leftover energy used for storage and growth.

Photosynthesis overall reaction

6CO2 + 6H2O yields C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Light reactions

Use light energy to produce ATP and NADPH.

Dark reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Use ATP to synthesize glucose.

Assimilation efficiency

The percentage of ingested energy that is absorbed for growth.

Growth efficiency

The percentage of energy used for growth rather than maintenance or respiration.

Detritus

Dead organic matter that provides energy for decomposers.

Primary consumers

Herbivores that eat plants.

Secondary consumers

Carnivores that eat herbivores.

Energy flow in ecosystems

Follows the pathway GPP → NPP → consumers.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population that an environment can support.

Protein requirements

Necessary for growth, repair, and enzyme function.

Mineral nutrients for plants

Includes nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.

Fossil fuel energy

High energy density and efficient for engines.

Energy transformations in respiration

Chemical energy from food is converted into ATP.

Glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose in the cytoplasm to produce ATP without needing oxygen.

Krebs cycle

A cyclical series of reactions in mitochondria that generates high energy molecules.

Electron Transport Chain

Produces ATP and requires oxygen to function.

Photosynthesis light absorption

Chlorophyll absorbs light and converts it into chemical energy.

Photosynthesis main input and output

Photosynthesis takes in CO2 and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Energy efficiency in food chains

Only about 10% of energy transfers from one trophic level to the next.

Food waste impact

Wasting food also wastes the energy used in its production and transportation.

Health of human diet

Animal products provide necessary amino acids and micronutrients.

Sustainable practices

Support local farms and reduce energy used in food production.

Primary production

The rate at which energy is converted to organic substances by photosynthesis.

Trophic levels

Different levels in the food chain, such as producers, consumers, decomposers.

Thermoregulation in endotherms

The need for more energy due to maintaining a constant body temperature.

Energy lost as heat

Some energy is always lost as heat during conversion processes.

Energy conservation law

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Inefficiency of energy transfer

Energy is lost at each step in a food chain.

Photosynthetic efficiency

Only about 2% of the sun's energy is captured by photosynthesis.

Energy costs for animal products vs plant products

Meat production requires significantly more energy than plant production.

Human energy consumption trend

Most energy consumed is from animal sources.

Food production inputs

Include energy for cultivation, harvesting, transportation, and storage.

Cellular respiration overall equation

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

Role of oxygen in respiration

Essential for the production of ATP from glucose.

Energy transformation example: sunlight to glucose

Radiant energy from the sun is transformed into chemical energy in glucose.

Role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis

Absorbs light energy for the photosynthesis process.

Factors affecting photosynthesis

Light, water, CO2 levels, temperature, and nutrients.

Carnivorous plants

Plants that capture insects for nutrients, compensating for nutrient-poor environments.

Examples of primary consumers

Herbivores such as rabbits, deer, and insects.

Examples of secondary consumers

Carnivores such as foxes, eagles, and weasels.

Importance of detritivores

Organisms that help decompose dead matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Importance of decomposers

Bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic material, enriching the soil.

Evolution of photosynthesis understanding

Developed through experiments by scientists like van Helmont, Priestley, and Ingenhousz.

Adaptive thermoregulation

Ectotherms and endotherms adapt their energy use based on environmental temperatures.

Efficiency of ATP production

Around 30-40% of energy from glucose is captured as ATP during cellular respiration.

Cycling of nutrients through ecosystems

Nutrients move between producers, consumers, and decomposers in food webs.

Global implications of food energy choices

Plant-based diets could support more people than meat-heavy diets.

Cellular respiration steps summary

Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain.

Photoautotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Chemoautotrophs

Organisms that derive energy from chemical processes.

Energy flow vs nutrient cycling

Energy flows in a one-way stream, while nutrients cycle through ecosystems.

Energy inequities in food distribution

Disparities in energy food systems affect population sustainability.

Photosynthesis necessity for life

Provides the primary energy source for nearly all ecosystems.

Greenhouse gas emissions from food systems

Agricultural practices contribute to environmental change and climate impact.

Human impact on the food web

Overfishing and deforestation disrupt natural resource replenishment.

Soil health importance

Healthy soil is vital for nutrient cycling and sustainable agricultural productivity.

Biological diversity significance

Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to changes and pressures.

Plant reproduction processes

Complete strategies including sexual and asexual reproduction techniques.

Photosynthesis adaptations in plants

Diverse types of chlorophyll and leaf structures enhance light absorption.

Understanding energy consumption patterns

Focusing on human diets and its influence on resource use and ecology.

Significance of cellular respiration

Critical for energy production necessary for all cellular activities.

Role of enzymes in metabolic pathways

Catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions in metabolism.

Effects of temperature on metabolic rate

Temperature fluctuations affect enzyme efficiency and organism energy usage.

Nutrient cycling implications

Transferred nutrients affect food production, human health, and population sustainability.

Cultural influences on diet

Cultural perceptions shape dietary choices and global food systems.

Connection between ecology and human health

Sustainable practices impact public health through improved ecosystem services.

Current food sustainability challenges

Issues of food waste, distribution inefficiencies, and consumer education.

Energy balance and body weight

Relationship between intake and expenditure influences weight management.

Starvation effects on metabolism

Extended starvation lowers BMR as the body conserves energy.

Physical activity influence on weight

Exercise increases metabolic rate and energy expenditure.

Food sources of micronutrients

Essential vitamins and minerals found in varied dietary choices.

Environmental effects of livestock farming

High inputs of energy and resources in meat production impact ecosystems.

Impacts of deforestation on carbon levels

Removing trees increases atmospheric CO2, accelerating climate change.

Plant and animal interdependence in ecosystems

Food web interactions demonstrate mutual reliance across species.

Role of sap in nutrient transport

Plants transport sugars and nutrients through vascular systems.

Human food systems and their ecological footprints

Evaluating the environmental impacts of agricultural productivity.

The importance of biodiversity in agriculture

Diverse crops contribute to resilience against pests and disease.

Predator-prey dynamics in ecosystems

Interactions that shape population sizes and community sustainability.

Effect of climate change on photosynthesis

Changing temperatures and CO2 levels affect plant growth and production.

Sustainable agriculture practices

Techniques that reduce environmental impact while maintaining yield.

Historical contributions to biological sciences

Early scientists set the foundations of modern biology and ecological theories.

Concept of ecological succession

Changes in species composition in ecosystems over time.

Consequences of overfishing

Diminished fish populations lead to imbalances in marine ecosystems.