Notes Energy flow and trophic structure

Ecosystem

Community plus abiotic conditions surrounding it.

Energy Flow

Movement of energy through an ecosystem.

Solar Radiation

Sunlight energy striking Earth's surface.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion affecting temperature.

Chlorophyll

Pigment in plants absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

Process converting CO2 and water into carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds providing energy to herbivores.

Decomposers

Organisms breaking down dead matter for nutrients.

Trophic Level

Position in food chain based on energy source.

Primary Producers

Autotrophs producing their own food via photosynthesis.

Heterotrophs

Organisms obtaining energy by consuming others.

Herbivores

Primary consumers feeding on plants.

Carnivores

Consumers feeding on other animals.

Food Chain

Linear sequence showing energy flow between organisms.

Food Web

Complex network of interconnected food chains.

Gross Primary Production (GPP)

Total carbohydrates produced by plants.

Cellular Respiration

Process releasing energy from carbohydrates for cell function.

Ecological Efficiency

Percentage of energy transferred between trophic levels.

Net Primary Production (NPP)

GPP minus energy used for respiration.

Pyramid of Productivity

Graphical representation of biomass at each trophic level.

Biochemical Reactions

Chemical processes affected by temperature in ecosystems.

Abiotic Environment

Non-living components like sunlight and soil.

Nutrients

Essential elements and molecules for organism growth.

Detritivores

Decomposers consuming dead organic matter.

Keystone Species

Predators maintaining balance in ecosystems.

Energy Loss

Energy not used by organisms during cellular processes.

Carbon Uptake

Absorption of CO2 by plants for photosynthesis.

Energy Storage

Carbohydrates stored as starch in plants.

Energy Transfer

Flow of energy from one trophic level to another.