Sustainability and Ecology Flashcard

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What is photosynthesis?

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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, and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

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What are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis?

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Inputs: Water, Carbon Dioxide, Light Energy; Outputs: Glucose (Carbohydrates), Oxygen.

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What does species diversity refer to?

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Species diversity refers to the variety of different species living in a particular area or ecosystem.

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Why are decomposers important in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, are essential because they recycle matter by breaking down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow through the environment.

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How do changes in a food web affect organisms?

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Changes in a food web can impact the population dynamics of species, leading to consequences such as overpopulation or extinction of certain species.

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What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers, such as plants, are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis and serve as the primary source of energy for other organisms in the food chain.

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species, genetic diversity, and the variety of ecosystems.

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What is the significance of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?

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Carbon dioxide is a key reactant in photosynthesis, as it is absorbed by plants and used to produce glucose, which is essential for plant growth.