Studied by 2 peopleAutotrophs
Organisms that convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds.
Carbon dioxide absorption
The process by which autotrophs absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Reduction of carbon dioxide concentration
The contribution of autotrophs in reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Carbonic acid
A compound formed when carbon dioxide combines with water, which can dissociate into hydrogen ions and hydrogen carbonate ions.
pH reduction
The decrease in pH of water due to the formation of carbonic acid and dissociation into ions, making it more acidic.
Diffusion of carbon dioxide
The movement of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or water into autotrophs.
Concentration gradient
The difference in concentration of carbon dioxide between the interior of autotroph cells and the surrounding environment.
Stomata
Openings on the underside of leaves in land plants through which carbon dioxide diffuses.
Methane production
The generation of methane in anaerobic environments as a waste product.
Methanogenic archaeans
Anaerobic prokaryotes responsible for the production of methane in various environments.
Methane oxidation
The process by which methane is converted to carbon dioxide and water in the atmosphere.
Peat formation
The accumulation of undecomposed organic matter in waterlogged soils, resulting in the formation of peat.
Oil and gas formation
The transformation of partially decomposed organic matter into oil and gas through compression and heating.
Crude oil and natural gas
Complex mixtures of liquid carbon compounds or gases generated from the incomplete decomposition of organic matter.
Combustion
The process of burning biomass and fossilized organic matter, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide.
Species
Groups of organisms that can potentially interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Reproductive isolation
When members of a species are isolated in separate populations and cannot interbreed.
Population
Organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time.
Same species
Two populations that could potentially interbreed, even if they inhabit different areas.
Different species
Two populations that cannot interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Heterotrophs
Species that obtain their carbon compounds from other organisms.
Consumers
Heterotrophs that feed on living organisms by ingestion.
Trophic groups
Consumers divided into groups based on the organisms they consume.
Detritivores
Heterotrophs that obtain organic nutrients from detritus by internal digestion.
Saprotrophs
Heterotrophs that obtain organic nutrients from dead organic matter by external digestion.
Decomposers
Bacteria and fungi that function as saprotrophs and break down dead organic matter.
Community
Populations of different species living together and interacting with each other.
Ecosystem
Formed by a community's interactions with the abiotic environment.
Inorganic nutrients
Elements needed by autotrophs and heterotrophs obtained from the abiotic environment.
Nutrient cycling
Continuous recycling of inorganic nutrients in ecosystems.
Sustainability
Ability of an ecosystem to continue indefinitely.
Three requirements for sustainability
Nutrient availability, detoxification of waste products, and energy availability.
Sunlight
The primary source of energy in most ecosystems, which is harnessed through photosynthesis by autotrophs.
Photosynthesis
The process by which autotrophs use chlorophyll and photosynthetic pigments to absorb sunlight and convert it into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates, lipids, and other carbon compounds.
Cellular Respiration
The process by which living organisms release the energy stored in carbon compounds through the oxidation of carbohydrates and lipids, producing ATP.
Food Chain
A sequence of organisms in which each organism feeds on the previous one, representing the flow of energy from producers to consumers.
Heat
The form of energy that is lost from living organisms and ecosystems, resulting from the inefficiency of energy transformations.
Biomass
The total mass of a group of organisms, including their cells, tissues, and carbon compounds they contain.
Energy Losses
The diminishing energy available to successive trophic levels due to energy loss through respiration, indigestible material, and egestion in feces.
Limiting Factors to number of trophic levels
Factors such as energy losses and biomass decrease that restrict the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem.
Greenhouse Effect
The phenomenon in which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a warmer climate.
Major Greenhouse Gases
Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor are the most significant greenhouse gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A greenhouse gas released by cell respiration and the combustion of biomass/fossil fuels. It is removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and dissolving in oceans.
Water Vapor (H2O)
A greenhouse gas formed by evaporation and transpiration. It is removed from the atmosphere through rainfall and snow.
Role of Water Vapor
Water vapor retains heat post-condensation in cloud droplets and absorbs and radiates heat energy to the Earth's surface.
Methane (CH4)
The third most significant greenhouse gas emitted from marshes, waterlogged habitats, landfills, fossil fuel extraction, and melting polar ice.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Another significant greenhouse gas released naturally by bacteria, as well as from agriculture and vehicle exhausts.
Abundant Gases in Earth's Atmosphere
Oxygen and nitrogen are the two most abundant gases in the atmosphere and are not greenhouse gases as they do not absorb longer-wave radiation.
Determinants of GHG Warming Impact
The warming impact of a greenhouse gas is determined by its ability to absorb long-wave radiation and its concentration in the atmosphere.
Concentration and Impact
The concentration of a greenhouse gas is influenced by its rate of release into the atmosphere and its average duration in the atmosphere.
Earth's Surface Energy Absorption and Emission
The Earth's surface absorbs short-wave energy from the sun and re-emits it at longer wavelengths, primarily in the infrared range.
Solar Radiation Absorption
25-30% of short-wavelength solar radiation passing through the atmosphere is absorbed before reaching the Earth's surface, primarily by ozone.
Re-emitted Earth's Surface Radiation
Between 70% and 85% of longer-wavelength radiation emitted by the Earth's surface is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gas Effect and Global Warming
The re-emitted energy by greenhouse gases contributes to global warming by directing some of it back toward the Earth's surface.
Selective Energy Absorption
Greenhouse gases selectively absorb energy in specific wavebands, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse Gas Impact on Climate
Changes in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can influence their contribution to the greenhouse effect and lead to shifts in global temperatures.
Ice Core Analysis
Drilling ice cores in Antarctica allows the extraction and analysis of air bubbles trapped in the ice, providing information about historical carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures.
Correlation and Causation
While correlation does not directly prove causation, the correlation between higher carbon dioxide levels and warmer periods aligns with the understanding that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Warming
The presence of greenhouse gases contributes to a warmer Earth surface, with mean temperatures estimated to be 32°C higher than they would be without greenhouse gases.
Industrial Revolution Impact
The industrial revolution, starting in the late 18th century, led to increased carbon dioxide emissions due to the widespread use of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production.
Recent Increases in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
The recent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, nearing 400 ppm, is unprecedented within the past 800,000 years and is largely attributed to the burning of fossil fuels.
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