How do ecosystems function?

1. How do ecosystems function? = energy = mass + energy = mass (nutrients) Energy Flows Nutrients Cycle

2. Matter • Anything that occupies space and has mass. • Cannot be created or destroyed. • Can be changed from one form into another. • Can be recycled. • Can be measured where gravity is present.

3. Energy: • Anything that has the ability to move matter, has no mass and does not occupy space. • Cannot be created or destroyed. • Can be changed from one form to another. • Cannot be recycled. • Can be measured.

5. Laws of Thermodynamics • First Law: (CHANGE) Energy is neither created nor destroyed but may be converted from one form to another. NO FREE LUNCHES! • Second Law: (LOSS) In any energy conversion, Some energy is lost from the system as heat; you will end up with less usable energy than you started with. New usable energy must continuously be placed into the system. YOU CAN ‘T BREAK EVEN!

6. + Heat Energy + Heat Energy

7. Reactions go spontaneously to randomness (Entropy).Energy inputs are needed to maintain organization!

8. First Principle of Ecosystem Sustainability • Most ecosystems capture sunlight as their source of energy during photosynthesis. • Nonpolluting and nondepletable. • There are unique ecosystems at ocean floor hydrothermal vents that use geothermal energy as a source of energy.

9. The Second Principle of Ecosystem Sustainability • Ecosystems dispose of wastes and replenish nutrients by recycling all elements. • This involves release of inorganic minerals from organic matter; mostly due to respiration by microbial decomposers.

10. Solar energy converts to chemical energy and heat during photosynthesis

11. Which process uses and which produces energy?Which process occur in plants and which in animals? Photosynthesis 6 CO2 + 6 H20 C6H12O6 + 6 O2 Respiration C6H12O6 + 6 O2 6 CO2 + 6 H20

12. Consumers lose much of their ingested energy (i.e. diet) due to cellular respiration and excretion. Only a small portion (about 10%) gets assimilated into tissues.

13. Releases O2 Stores energy Releases CO2 Uses CO2 Releases energy Produces sugar Uses sugar Uses O2 Match Outcomes (Left) With Process (Right) • Photosynthesis • Cell respiration • Both • Neither

14. Releases O2 Stores energy Releases CO2 Uses CO2 Releases energy Produces sugar Uses sugar Uses O2 Match Outcomes (Left) With Organisms (Right) • Plants • Animals • Both • Neither

15. C Cycle

16. N Cycle

17. The Human System

18. Violations of the First Principle of Ecosystem Sustainability Most ecosystems capture sunlight as their source of energy by photosynthesis. • Excessive use of fossil fuels. • Use of nuclear power or other. • Feeding largely at the third trophic level. • Use of agricultural land to produce meats.

19. Violations of the Second Principle of Ecosystem Sustainability • Lack of recycling. • Excessive use of fertilizers. • Destruction of tropical rain forests. • Nutrient overcharge into aquatic ecosystems. • Production and use of non-biodegradable compounds. Ecosystems dispose of wastes and replenish nutrients by recycling all elements.

20. Ecosystem Services and Functions * Gas, climate and water regulation * Water supply * Erosion control * Soil formation * Pollination control * Biological control * Food production * Recreation * Raw materials * Nutrient cycling * Waste treatment