CH.+54+Ecosystems

Chapter 54 is mainly about the different parts of an ecosystem. In an ecosystem, energy is in at a constant flow. As light energy from the sun enters the ecosystem, it travels through the primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers and decomposers. Unused energy will then leave as heat energy. Biology, like chemistry uses the concept that matter cannot be destroyed, therefore, energy cannot be destroyed. The nutrient systems included in an ecosystem are the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle and phosphorous cycle. Differentiating factors cause the systems to perform at different rates, even though they work similarly in many different biomes. Pollution, pesticides and fertilizers can affect the natural production of these cycles and this disruption can cause damage through acid precipitation and toxins. The poisoning of our systems is what has caused so much damage to our ecosystems.

Core Theme Relationships Energy transfer because Light enters and is changed into usable energy. Society impact because humans are hurting the ecosystem and it will not be able to perform correctly. Interdependence of Nature also because humans are responsible for the toxins in our ecosystem.

http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosystem.html#Energyflowthroughtheecosystem3 It's really, really big. Just click on "energy flow through the ecosystem" at the top if you get lost, there is a good flow chart.

http://faculty.southwest.tn.edu/rburkett/ES%20%20we27.jpg Good breakdown of trophic relationships