BIOMES AND VEGETATION TYPES
How Energy Flows though the Biosphere
SOLAR ENERGY AND LIFE
I. Thermodynamic aspects of energy flow
A. First law
Conservation of energy
B. Second law
Entropy
II. Earth as an open thermodynamic system
A. Rate of energy flow from the sun
B. Processing of the Sun's energy by the Biosphere
1. Plants as photochemical converters
i. The process of photosynthesis
ii. Formation of C-C bonds
structure
energy storage
iii. Formation of O2
III. Global factors that control or limit Photosynthesis
A. Water
1. Average annual precipitation
2. Evapotranspiration
B. Nutrients
1. Sources of nutrients for land plants
2. Sources of nutrients for aquatic plants
IV Factors influencing primary production as an energy transforming process
A. Efficiency
B. The systems approach
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