Carbon Cycle

Distinguish between the terms ENVIRONMENT and HABITAT

environment = includes the biotic and abiotic factors of a habitat

Habitat = an area where organisms live

explain why microorganisms are added to the soil in the biosphere

For decompositions of plants

To improve the quality of the soil

releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere

CO2 is used in the atmosphere

Explain the meaning of SPECIES RICHNESS

Variety of different species

in an area/ habitat/ environment 

Suggest why a decrease in species richness would decrease the use of light energy in the biosphere

fewer plant species 

absorbing different wavelengths of light

Explain why the uptake of CO2 and plant productivity both decrease as species richness decreased

If there is less light energy being used there will be less photosynthesis

That if light dependent reaction is reduced there will be less ATP

Carbon fixation will be less 

As a result less GALP will be made 

so less glucose made

Describe the chemical nature of cellulose

Polysaccharide

unbranched chains

beta glucose with (1-4) glycosidic bonds between glucose molecules

intermolecular hydrogen bonds

Name plant tissue that could be the main source of the lignin found in marshland peat

Xylem

Describe the role of microorganisms in the recycling of the carbon from these compounds

decomposition of microorganisms

respiration 

methane released in anaerobic conditions 

CO2 releases for photosynthesis