GPT Photosynthesis and Biomass 20/20

Photosynthesis sets the foundation for energy flow in an ecosystem by converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in biomass, which is passed through the food chain.

11. How does photosynthesis determine the energy available to an ecosystem?

Factors include light availability, CO₂ concentration, water supply, soil nutrients, and temperature.

12. What factors limit the amount of biomass that can be produced through photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, storing it in plant biomass. When plants die or are consumed, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere or soil.

13. What is the relationship between photosynthesis, biomass, and the carbon cycle?

Deforestation reduces plant biomass and carbon storage, while agricultural expansion and pollution can affect photosynthetic efficiency and overall biomass production.

14. How do human activities affect the role of photosynthesis in biomass production?

Algae grow rapidly, have high photosynthetic efficiency, and can produce large amounts of biomass even in non-arable land or water environments.

15. Why is algae considered a promising biomass source for biofuel production?

C4 plants (e.g., corn, sugarcane) have a specialized mechanism to minimize photorespiration, making them more efficient in hot environments.

CAM plants (e.g., cacti) store CO₂ at night to conserve water, allowing them to produce biomass in arid conditions, though at a slower rate.

16. How do C4 and CAM plants differ in their efficiency at producing biomass compared to C3 plants?

Decomposers break down dead biomass, returning nutrients to the soil and releasing CO₂, which can be reused by plants for photosynthesis.

17. What role do decomposers play in the biomass cycle?

Burning biomass releases stored CO₂ back into the atmosphere, but unlike fossil fuels, new plant growth can reabsorb this carbon, making it more sustainable when managed properly.

18. Why does burning biomass still contribute to carbon emissions, even though it is considered renewable?

They perform photosynthesis and generate a significant portion of Earth’s biomass, supporting marine food webs and oxygen production.

19. How do aquatic plants and phytoplankton contribute to global biomass production?

Technologies such as genetic modification, vertical farming, and optimized irrigation improve photosynthetic efficiency and increase biomass yields for food and biofuel production.

20. How do modern technologies enhance biomass production through photosynthesis?