1. Energy Flow in an Ecosystem
SNC1P
Findlay

2. Energy in an Ecosystem
Where does all of the energy in an ecosystem come from?
All of the energy in the ecosystem comes from the sun; but how much of it is actually used by plants to live?
Only about 0.023% of the Sun’s energy is used by plants for the process of photosynthesis. The rest is reflected or absorbed by the Earth.
But how do plants actually use photosynthesis?

3. What do plants need to live?
Energy Flow
So we now know where all of the energy in an ecosystem comes from; but how is it used once it gets there?
The answer lies with PHOTOSYNTHESIS!
What do plants need to live?
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4. What do we know already? What do plants produce?
What gases do they produce? What gases do they take in? What gases to consumers breathe out?
How do we know that we breathe out CO2?
Acid Base Neutral

5. What is Photosynthesis?
Green plants make their own food through the process of photosynthesis.
They do this by capturing light energy from the sun and transform it into chemical energy.
This chemical energy is stored in the plant as glucose, or sugar.
Write the Definition on your Key Terms Page!
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into stored energy.

6. The Chemical Formula
Work with a partner to put the pictures in the right order in the form of a chemical reaction.
Example of a chemical reaction:
Carbon Dioxide + Water  Carbonic Acid
Water + Carbon Dioxide + Light Energy  Glucose + Oxygen

8. Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration is a process in the cells of most organisms that converts the energy stored in chemical compounds (like sugar) into usable energy.
All consumers use Cellular Respiration to get the energy they need from food.
Producers also use this process at night when they need energy but cannot get it from the sun…
This process is the exact opposite of photosynthesis. Sugar and oxygen are taken in by a consumer and carbon dioxide, water and energy is created!
SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE THE CHEMICAL REACTION!

9. Illuminating Photosynthesis