Question

earths life support system components

1. atmosphere

• troposphere: layer of ____________ right above earths surface
• contains the ____________ we breathe

1. hydrosphere

• covers approximately ____________% of earths surface
• includes ____________, ice, and water vapor

1. geosphere

• represents the ____________ portion of the earth
• contains ____________ where organisms live and reproduce

1. biosphere

• where ____________ is found
• combines atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere

ecosystem basics
trophic levels

1. producers (____________):

• use ____________ to create energy
• convert ____________ and water into glucose

1. consumers:

• primary consumers (__________): eat __________
• secondary consumers (__________): eat __________
• omnivores: can eat both __________ and __________

energy flow

• energy moves through ecosystems via __________ and __________
• only ____________% of energy transfers between trophic levels
• rest is lost as ____________

nutrient cycles
four major cycles

1. water cycle
2. carbon cycle
3. ____________ cycle
4. ____________ cycle

key cycle characteristics

• involves movement of essential elements through ____________
• impacted by __________, __________, and living organisms

ecosystem study methods
research techniques

1. field research (muddy boots ecology)

Explanation:

1. Atmosphere - Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere. It contains the air we breathe.
2. Hydrosphere: Covers about 71% of the Earth's surface and includes liquid water, ice, and water - vapor.
3. Geosphere: Represents the solid portion of the Earth and contains soil where organisms live and reproduce.
4. Biosphere: Where life is found and combines the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
5. Producers (Autotrophs): Use photosynthesis to create energy and convert carbon - dioxide and water into glucose.
6. Consumers: Primary consumers (Herbivores) eat producers. Secondary consumers (Carnivores) eat primary consumers. Omnivores can eat both plants and animals.
7. Energy Flow: Energy moves through ecosystems via food chains and food webs. Only about 10% of energy transfers between trophic levels, and the rest is lost as heat.
8. Nutrient Cycles: The four major cycles are the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle. Key cycle characteristics involve the movement of essential elements through the biosphere and are impacted by geological processes, weathering, and living organisms.

Answer:

1. Troposphere: Layer of air right above Earth's surface. Contains the air we breathe.
2. Hydrosphere: Covers approximately 71% of Earth's surface. Includes liquid water, ice, and water vapor.
3. Geosphere: Represents the solid portion of the Earth. Contains soil where organisms live and reproduce.
4. Biosphere: Where life is found. Combines atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
5. Producers (Autotrophs): Use photosynthesis to create energy. Convert carbon - dioxide and water into glucose.
6. Consumers: Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Eat producers. Secondary Consumers (Carnivores): Eat primary consumers. Omnivores: Can eat both plants and animals.
7. Energy Flow: Energy moves through ecosystems via food chains and food webs. Only 10% of energy transfers between trophic levels. Rest is lost as heat.
8. Nutrient Cycles: Four Major Cycles: Water Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle. Key Cycle Characteristics: Involves movement of essential elements through the biosphere. Impacted by geological processes, weathering, and living organisms.