photosynthesis and energy flow

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in plants?

Back

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily from the sun, which is essential for photosynthesis.

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms, like plants, that can make their own food through photosynthesis and serve as a source of energy for other organisms.

Front

What are consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must eat other organisms (plants or animals) to obtain energy.

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What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid.

Front

How does energy flow in an energy pyramid?

Back

Energy flows from the bottom level (producers) to the top level (top consumers), with energy being transferred from one level to the next.

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What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers, thus playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

The primary source of energy for most ecosystems is sunlight, which is harnessed by producers through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Back

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight, while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.