Prepare for IB ESS SL 2.2.4 by tracing how autotrophs convert absorbed light into chemical energy in glucose and retain that energy in newly formed biomass.
Outline the transfers and transformations of energy as it enters and flows through the first trophic level of a food chain.
Transfers: [3 max]
a. solar/light energy absorbed by leaves/chlorophyll/chloroplasts/plants;
b. stored as chemical energy in glucose/organic compounds/ATP;
c. chemical energy transported around plant/moved from leaves to other plant organs;
d. chemical energy in plant biomass eaten by herbivores/passed on to decomposers;
e. heat energy radiated from plant into atmosphere;
Transformations: [3 max]
f. conversion of light to chemical energy in photosynthesis;
g. conversion of chemical to heat energy in respiration / all metabolic processes release heat (heat loss);
h. conversion of chemical to heat energy through decomposition;
i. conversion of chemical energy to other forms of energy (e.g. kinetic) in various metabolic processes;
j. conversion of solar energy to electric energy in the photosynthetic apparatus;
Do not credit reflection of light (albedo), as energy does not enter 1st trophic level.