1.Energy flows through (lost as heat); matter cycles
2.Pyramids can be disrupted by invasives, disease, or climate
3.Decomposition Cycle: Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organic matter, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil. These nutrients are then absorbed by producers, completing the nutrient cycle and preventing dead material from accumulating indefinitely.
[!] STUDY GUIDE: Big Ideas
Use to answer form questions!
1.Matter cycles; energy flows. Unlike energy (lost
as heat), matter is recycled indefinitely through ecosystems.
2.Decomposers close the loop. Fungi, bacteria, and
arthropods break down dead matter, returning nutrients to
soil.
3.Carbon and nitrogen cycle differently. Carbon:
atmosphere <-> organisms. Nitrogen: requires bacteria to convert
forms.
Living Organisms->Death/Waste->Decomposers->Nutrients in Soil->Absorbed by Plants->Living Organisms
MATTER CYCLING: Circular, conserved, recycled indefinitely (contrast
with W1 energy flow!)
[#] KEY TERMS
Define in YOUR words
Decomposition
Breakdown of dead matter
Nutrient cycling
Matter recycled through ecosystem
Carbon cycle
Carbon movement through systems
Nitrogen fixation
Bacteria convert N2 to usable form
[?] THE PHENOMENON
Write BEFORE Hook form
Why don't dead leaves pile up forever in forests, and how do they
make soil richer?
Every fall, billions of leaves drop to the forest floor. Yet forests
aren't buried in leaves from centuries past. Instead, the soil
beneath becomes rich and fertile.
Your initial thinking:
[>] AFTER HOOK FORM
Reflect, then continue+2 pts
I learned that...
TURN & TALK #1
"I think the leaves disappear because
."
PARTNER'S EXPLANATION:
Station 1 — Decomposer Roles
Fungi break down...
Bacteria handle...
Key insight:
Station 2 — C & N Cycles
Carbon returns to atmosphere via...
Nitrogen requires bacteria because...
Key insight:
TURN & TALK #2
"I was surprised that because I used
to think ."
PARTNER'S SURPRISE:
COLD CALL Be ready to share what
surprised YOUR PARTNER about decomposition!
[/] DAY 1 EXIT TICKET
Complete before leaving+5 pts
Q1:
Where do fallen leaves "go" during decomposition? Trace the matter.
Q2:
From W1: Why does energy flow one-way while matter cycles? (Hint:
10% rule vs. conservation)