Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Explore Carbon’s Role Source or Sink

Word Count Emoji
460 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🌍 Big Idea: Ecosystems are open systems! What does that mean? It's like a café with a revolving door - things (like energy and matter) can come in or go out. And a major player here? CARBON! 🌲🔥

Carbon's Grand Entry & Exit 📌

  • 🌿 Photosynthesis: Plants have this cool trick where they pull in carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight to make food (and oxygen).
  • 🌬 Respiration: Most living things breathe, releasing CO2. Think of it as the opposite of photosynthesis.

But here’s the thing – ecosystems might not balance these two processes equally.

When is an ecosystem a Carbon Star and when is it a Carbon Spender? ✨

  • Carbon Sink 🛁

    • Imagine your ecosystem is saving up carbon like a teen saving pocket money.
    • This happens when photosynthesis (carbon in) > respiration (carbon out).
    • Real-world example: Dense, old-growth forests soak up lots of CO2 and don't release as much.
  • Carbon Source 💨

    • Here, the ecosystem spends more carbon than it earns.
    • This happens when respiration (carbon out) > photosynthesis (carbon in).
    • Real-world example: An area with lots of animal life but few plants, causing more CO2 release than uptake.

Decomposers & Carbon 🍂

  • Saprotrophs: These are nature's cleanup crew (like fungi) that munch on dead stuff.
  • What do they do? Break down organic matter ➡️ Release carbon as CO2.

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Explore Carbon’s Role Source or Sink

Word Count Emoji
460 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🌍 Big Idea: Ecosystems are open systems! What does that mean? It's like a café with a revolving door - things (like energy and matter) can come in or go out. And a major player here? CARBON! 🌲🔥

Carbon's Grand Entry & Exit 📌

  • 🌿 Photosynthesis: Plants have this cool trick where they pull in carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight to make food (and oxygen).
  • 🌬 Respiration: Most living things breathe, releasing CO2. Think of it as the opposite of photosynthesis.

But here’s the thing – ecosystems might not balance these two processes equally.

When is an ecosystem a Carbon Star and when is it a Carbon Spender? ✨

  • Carbon Sink 🛁

    • Imagine your ecosystem is saving up carbon like a teen saving pocket money.
    • This happens when photosynthesis (carbon in) > respiration (carbon out).
    • Real-world example: Dense, old-growth forests soak up lots of CO2 and don't release as much.
  • Carbon Source 💨

    • Here, the ecosystem spends more carbon than it earns.
    • This happens when respiration (carbon out) > photosynthesis (carbon in).
    • Real-world example: An area with lots of animal life but few plants, causing more CO2 release than uptake.

Decomposers & Carbon 🍂

  • Saprotrophs: These are nature's cleanup crew (like fungi) that munch on dead stuff.
  • What do they do? Break down organic matter ➡️ Release carbon as CO2.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟