GCSE AQA Biology 1 Energy Transfer, Decay and The Carbon Cycle

1. Producer at the bottom

Nota:

• Light energy converted to chemical energy

1. Energy stored in cells - animals eat them

1. Energy lost to surroundings as heat

   Nota:

   • Especially in mammals and birds - have to keep body at constant temp.

Nota:

• Because so much energy is lost. Therefore, there is not enough left to support more organisms

Nota:

• Like carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen

1. Elements returned in waste products or when they die
   1. Materials decay - broken down by microorganisms

      Nota:

      • Elements return to soil

1. Composting
   1. Benefits
      1. Recycles minerals & nutrients
      2. Reduces landfill
      3. Reduces production of methane

Nota:

• Carbon dioxide is removed from atmosphere by green plants, some of the carbon is used to make carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the plants

Nota:

• Some carbon moves through food chain to animals

1. These organisms respire

Nota:

• Broken down by detritus feeders and microorganisms