Biology: Life on Earth
Biology: Life on Earth
10th Edition
ISBN: 9780321729712
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: Benjamin Cummings
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 28, Problem 1FTB

Nearly all life gets its energy from _______ which is captured by the process of_______. In contras ____________________are constantly recycled during processes called ________.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To review:

The given blank space in the statement, “nearly all life gets its energy from_________, which is captured by the process of______. In contrast, ________ are constantly recycled during processes called________.”

Introduction:

The entire life on the Earth is driven by energy and nutrients, which moves in a linear and circular form, respectively. The distance of the Earth from the sun and the presence of essential nutrients made life possible on Earth.

Explanation of Solution

The ultimate source of all energy on the Earth is the sun. The green plants are capable enough to capture sunlight directly during photosynthesis. The food produced during this process is stored in the plants and later utilized by the consumers. Thus, the consumers utilize solar energy indirectly.

The food consists of various nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur, which are captured by the plants from the soil and locked in complex organic forms. These organic molecules are utilized by the consumers’ body and returned back to the soil after their death and decay.

Thus, these nutrients are once again available to the plants. Apart from the soil and living organism, these nutrients often escape to other spheres like atmosphere and ocean. Through different processes, they are returned back to the soil. For example, carbon and nitrogen also have a short residence time in the atmosphere and are returned back through photosynthesis and nitrogen-fixing bacteria to the soil. Thus, these form the nutrient cycles or biogeochemical cycles.

Conclusion

Nearly all life gets its energy from sunlight, which is captured by the process of photosynthesis. In contrast, nutrients are constantly recycled during processes called nutrient cycles.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat. Scientists are concerned that too much carbon dioxide is being released into the air by human activity. Using your knowledge of the carbon cycle, where do you think this carbon dioxide is coming from? List at least three possible sources of human-related carbon dioxide production. Carbon dioxide is produced by the burning of fossil fuels.
Which option is a nonrenewable source of energy Petroleum Sunlight Water Wind
What form of energy is required for water to evaporate from the ocean to the atmosphere
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Microbial Nutrition and Growth; Author: Scientist Cindy;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK3UkyWjkl8;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY