OCS 1005 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Biogeochemical Cycle, Trophic Level, Kelp Forest
16 Nov 2017
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Introduction to life processes: all living organisms require energy, consumers- get energy from consuming other organisms, producers- convert energy from the sun or chemicals into organic matter. Photosynthesis- plants are using energy from the sun to combine co2 and h2o and o2, carbs are organic. Chemosynthesis- light energy not necessary, combine co2 and hydrogen sulfide, breaking bonds allow reaction to take place: photosynthesis- the process by which carbon dioxide and water are converted into carbohydrates and oxygen using energy from the sun. Dominant process of converting energy to organic matter (carbs) Organisms use the pigment chlorophyll to convert photons from the sun into carbs. Measure carbon general measure of photosynthesis: chemosynthesis- conversion of energy in simple carbon molecules to carbs. Takes place at hydrothermal vents and in the sediments. Biogeochemical cycles: atoms and molecules move between living and non-living entities, the pathways and rates of movement of these molecules are termed as biogeochemical cycles.
