Ecology

Unit 2: Module 1/2

Ecosystem

a system formed by organisms interacting with each other and their non-living surroundings.

Geosphere

all the rocks, minerals and landforms that make up Earth

Hydrophere

all the water at or near Earth's surface

Biosphere

the place where all life exists; consists of Earth and its atmosphere

atmosphere

the layer of gases above Earth's surface

Combustion

a chemical reaction in which a substance, called the fuel, reacts with oxygen to release heat energy and light energy. This process produces carbon dioxide and vapour.

Methane

methane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O

photosynthesis

plants use energy from the Sun to make glucose and oxygen gas from carbon dioxide and water.

photosynthesis chemical equation

carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2

Cellular Respiratory

the energy in food is released and used by living things to live, grow and move

Cellular Respiratory Equation

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O

Decomposition

Fungi and bacteria break down complex molecules in the wastes and dead remains of other organisms into simpler molecules

Effect of decomposition

returns carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and hydrosphere

The Carbon Cycle

The series of processes through which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, involving photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon storage.

Greenhouse effect

The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, influenced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Greenhouse gases

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

• Methane (CH₄)

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

• Water vapor

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)