State how matter moves through the biosphere. State how energy moves through the biosphere. Explain each statement using examples to illustrate your explanation.
matter moves in accordance with Newton's laws (momentum is conserved, force is rate of change of momentum, action causes equal and opposite reaction)
heat moves from hot to cold
Electro magnetic energy follows Maxwell's equations.
This is a good answer just not to the question asked... Add on to this statement if you want to get full credit!!
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every question here is exactly what's on my unit test.
Matter moves through the biosphere in a process known as biogeochemical cycling, while energy moves through the biosphere in a process called energy flow.
Biogeochemical cycling involves the cycling of various elements and compounds through living organisms, their environment, and geological processes. This cycling occurs through four main cycles: the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.
1. Water cycle: This cycle describes the movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Water evaporates from bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans, into the atmosphere. Through condensation, it forms clouds and later precipitates back to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, or sleet. This water is then utilized by plants and animals, and eventually returns to bodies of water through runoff or by percolating into groundwater.
2. Carbon cycle: Carbon is an essential component of living organisms and is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, converting it into organic compounds. These compounds are then used by animals for growth and energy. When organisms die or burn, carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Additionally, geological processes, such as the weathering of rocks, release carbon into the environment.
3. Nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen is a crucial element for living organisms and is cycled between the atmosphere, soil, and organisms. Atmospheric nitrogen cannot be directly used by most organisms. However, certain bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by plants through a process called nitrogen fixation. Plants then absorb this usable form of nitrogen, and animals obtain it by consuming plants or other animals. When organisms die or excrete waste, nitrogen compounds are decomposed and returned to the environment, where they can be further utilized by other organisms.
4. Phosphorus cycle: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for growth and is cycled between rocks, soil, water, and living organisms. Weathering of rocks releases phosphorus into the soil, where it is taken up by plants. Animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals. When organisms die or excrete waste, phosphorus is decomposed and returned to the soil, where it can be reused by other organisms.
On the other hand, energy flows through the biosphere through the process of energy flow. Energy from the sun is captured by plants through photosynthesis, where it is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose (a sugar). This energy is then transferred from one organism to another through feeding relationships in ecosystems. For example:
1. Producers: Plants use sunlight to convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy is stored in their tissues.
2. Primary consumers: Herbivores consume plants, transferring the stored energy from the plants to themselves.
3. Secondary consumers: Carnivores that eat herbivores transfer the energy further along the food chain.
4. Tertiary consumers: Apex predators consume other carnivores, effectively transferring the energy even higher up the food chain.
At each energy transfer, some of the energy is lost as heat, limiting the length of food chains and the amount of energy available to higher trophic levels.
In summary, matter moves through the biosphere in biogeochemical cycles, such as the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle, while energy flows through the biosphere through feeding relationships in ecosystems. These processes are interconnected and play a vital role in maintaining the balance and sustainability of the biosphere.