BIOLOGY FOR LIFE
  • ⭐IB Bio Syllabus⭐
    • Unity and Diversity (A) >
      • A1 molecules >
        • A1.1: Water
        • A1.2: Nucleic Acids
      • A2 Cells >
        • A2.1: Origins of Cells
        • A2.2: Cell Structure
        • A2.3: Viruses
      • A3 Organisms >
        • A3.1: Diversity of Organisms
        • A3.2: Classification and Cladistics
      • A4 Ecosystems >
        • A4.1: Evolution and Speciation
        • A4.2: Conservation of Biodiversity
    • Form and Function (B) >
      • B1 Molecules >
        • B1.1: Carbohydrates and Lipids
        • B1.2: Proteins
      • B2 Cells >
        • B2.1 Membranes and Membrane Transport
        • B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization
        • B2.3 Cell Specialization
      • B3 Organisms >
        • B3.1 Gas Exchange
        • B3.2 Transport
        • B3.3 Muscle and Motility
      • B4 Ecosystems >
        • B4.1 Adaptation to Environment
        • B4.2 Ecological Niches
    • Interaction and Interdependence (C) >
      • C1 Molecules >
        • C1.1: Enzymes and Metabolism
        • C1.2: Cell Respiration
        • C1.3: Photosynthesis
      • C2 Cells >
        • C2.1: Chemical Signaling
        • C2.2: Neural Signaling
      • C3 Organisms >
        • C3.1: Integration of Body Systems
        • C3.2: Defense Against Disease
      • C4 Ecosystems >
        • C4.1 Populations and Communities
        • C4.2 Transfers of Energy and Matter
    • Continuity and Change (D) >
      • D1 Molecules >
        • D1.1: DNA Replication
        • D1.2: Protein Synthesis
        • D1.3: Mutation and Gene Editing
      • D2 Cells >
        • D2.1: Cell and Nuclear Division
        • D2.2: Gene Expression
        • D2.3: Water Potential
      • D3 Organisms >
        • D3.1: Reproduction
        • D3.2: Inheritance
        • D3.3: Homeostasis
      • D4 Ecosystems >
        • D4.1: Natural Selection
        • D4.2: Stability and Change
        • D4.3: Climate Change
    • Legacy Syllabus (2016) >
      • Core >
        • 1: Cell Biology >
          • 1.1: Introduction to Cells
          • 1.2: Ultrastructure of Cells
          • 1.3: Membrane Structure
          • 1.4: Membrane Transport
          • 1.5: The Origin of Cells
          • 1.6: Cell Division
        • 2: Molecular Biology >
          • 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism
          • 2.2: Water
          • 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids
          • 2.4: Proteins
          • 2.5: Enzymes
          • 2.6: DNA and RNA
          • 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation
          • 2.8: Cell Respiration
          • 2.9: Photosynthesis
        • 3: Genetics >
          • 3.1: Genes
          • 3.2: Chromosomes
          • 3.3: Meiosis
          • 3.4: Inheritance
          • 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology
        • 4: Ecology >
          • 4.1: Species, Communities and Ecosystems
          • 4.2: Energy Flow
          • 4.3: Carbon Cycling
          • 4.4: Climate Change
        • 5: Evolution and Biodiversity >
          • 5.1: Evidence for Evolution
          • 5.2: Natural Selection
          • 5.3: Classification and Biodiversity
          • 5.4: Cladistics
        • 6: Human Physiology >
          • 6.1: Digestion and Absorption
          • 6.2: The Blood System
          • 6.3: Defense Against Infectious Disease
          • 6.4: Gas Exchange
          • 6.5: Neurons and Synapses
          • 6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
      • Higher Level >
        • 7: Nucleic Acids >
          • 7.1: DNA Structure and Replication
          • 7.2: Transcription and Gene Expression
          • 7.3: Translation
        • 8: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis >
          • 8.1: Metabolism
          • 8.2: Cell Respiration
          • 8.3: Photosynthesis
        • 9: Plant Biology >
          • 9.1: Transport in the Xylem of Plants
          • 9.2: Transport in the Phloem of Plants
          • 9.3: Growth in Plants
          • 9.4: Reproduction in Plants
        • 10: Genetics and Evolution >
          • 10.1: Meiosis
          • 10.2: Inheritance
          • 10.3: Gene Pools and Speciation
        • 11: Animal Physiology >
          • 11.1: Antibody Production and Vaccination
          • 11.2: Movement
          • 11.3: Kidney and Osmoregulation
          • 11.4: Sexual Reproduction
      • Options >
        • D: Human Physiology >
          • D.1: Human Nutrition
          • D.2: Digestion
          • D.3: Functions of the Liver
          • D.4: The Heart
          • D.5: Hormones and Metabolism
          • D.6: Transport of Respiratory Gases
  • IB Requirements
    • Learner Profile
    • Collaborative Sciences Project
    • External Assessment
    • Internal Assessment >
      • Research Design
      • Analysis
      • Conclusion
      • Evaluation
    • Extended Essay
  • Exam Revision
    • Revision Tools
  • Skills for Biology
    • Tools >
      • Experimental Techniques >
        • Addressing Safety
        • Measuring Variables >
          • Lab Drawings
          • Measurement Uncertainty
        • Techniques >
          • Microscopy
      • Technology >
        • Graphing with Excel
      • Mathematics >
        • Statistics >
          • Glossary of Statistic Terms and Equations
          • Descriptive Statistics >
            • Skew and the Normal Distribution
            • Outliers
            • Measures of Central Tendancy
            • Measures of Spread
            • Pearson Correlation
          • Inferential Statistics >
            • T-Test
            • ANOVA
            • Kruskal-Wallis
            • X2 Test for Independence
            • X2 Goodness of Fit
        • Graphing >
          • Interpreting Error Bars
    • Inquiry Processes >
      • Exploring & Designing >
        • Research Questions
        • Hypotheses and Predictions
        • Varaibles
        • Sampling
      • Collecting & Processing Data >
        • Data Tables
      • Concluding & Evaluating >
        • Error Analysis
  • SHS Course Info
    • Above & Beyond >
      • Biology Club
      • Pumpkin Carving
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Science News
      • Wood Duck Project (legacy)
      • Invasive Crayfish Project (legacy)
    • Assessment >
      • Class Grading IB Bio I
      • Class Grading IB Bio II
      • Daily Quizzes (legacy)
      • Lab Practicals (legacy)
    • Class Photos
    • Recommendations
  • Contact
  • About
    • Philosophy
    • Resume
    • Reflection
    • Favorite Quotes
    • AEF Blog
  • Expeditions
    • Bahamas (2009)
    • Trinidad (2010)
    • Trinidad (2011)
    • Ecuador (2012)
    • Trinidad (2013)
    • Peru (2014)
    • Bahamas (2015)
    • Peru (2016)
    • Costa Rica (2017)
    • Costa Rica (2018)
    • Arizona (2022)
    • Florida (2023)
    • Belize (2024)
    • Costa Rica (2025)
  • Summer Ecology Research
  • Teacher Resources

C4.2  Transfers of Energy and Matter

Guiding Questions:  
Guiding questions help students view the content of the syllabus through the conceptual lenses of both the themes and the levels of biological organization.
  • What is the reason matter can be recycled in ecosystems but energy cannot?
  • How is the energy that is lost by each group of organisms in an ecosystem replaced?
​
​
Linking Questions:  
Linking questions strengthen students’ understanding by making connections between topics.  The ideal outcome of the linking questions is networked knowledge.
  • How does the transformation of energy from one form to another make biological processes possible?
  • What are the direct and indirect consequences of rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?

​​Resources:
  • ​Quizlet study set for this topic.  Coming soon!
C4.2.1-- Ecosystems as open systems in which both energy and matter can enter and exit.
  • Define ecosystem.
  • Compare open and closed systems. 
  • State the ecosystems are open systems. ​
​C4.1.2— Sunlight as the principal source of energy that sustains most ecosystems.
  • State that sunlight is the primary energy source for most ecosystems. 
  • Outline an example of an exception of sunlight as the principal energy source in most ecosystems.
C4.2.3— ​Flow of chemical energy through food chains.
  • Define food chain.
  • Identify producers and consumers in a food chain. 
  • Identify the apex predator in a food chain.
  • State what is indicated by the arrow in a food chain.
C4.2.4— Construction of food chains and food webs to represent feeding relationships in a community.
  • Draw a food chain, labeling the producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer and tertiary consumer.
  • State the reason why food webs are better representations of trophic relationships in an ecological community than a food chain.​
​C4.2.5— Supply of energy to decomposers as carbon compounds in organic matter coming from dead organisms.
  • Outline the role of decomposers in a food web. 
  • List examples of decomposers, including both detritivores and saprotrophs. ​​
​C4.2.6- Autotrophs as organisms that use external energy sources to synthesize carbon compounds from simple inorganic substances.
  • Define autotroph.
  • Define carbon fixation.
  • State the reason why autotrophs must “fix” carbon.
  • List the two primary uses of energy in autotrophs.
C4.2.7- Use of light as the external energy source in photoautotrophs and oxidation reactions as the energy source in chemoautotrophs.
  • ​Compare the energy sources used by photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs.
  • List examples of photoautotrophs.
  • List examples of chemoautotrophs.
  • Outline how oxidation reactions serve as a source of energy in iron-oxidizing bacteria.
​C4.2.8- Heterotrophs as organisms that use carbon compounds obtained from other organisms to synthesize the carbon compounds that they require.
  • Define heterotroph.
  • Outline the functions of digestion, assimilation and synthesis of carbon compounds in heterotrophs.
C4.2.9- Release of energy in both autotrophs and heterotrophs by oxidation of carbon compounds in cell respiration.
  • State that both autotrophs and heterotrophs perform cellular respiration to produce ATP.
  • Describe cellular respiration as an oxidation reaction.
​C4.2.10- Classification of organisms into trophic levels.
  • Define trophic level. 
  • Identify the trophic level of an organism in a food chain.
  • State that many organisms have a varied diet and occupy different trophic levels in different food chains.
C4.2.11- Construction of energy pyramids.
  • State the unit used for communicating the energy in each trophic level of a food chain.
  • Describe the shape of a pyramid of energy.
  • Draw a pyramid of energy given data for an ecosystem.
​​​C4.2.12- Reductions in energy availability at each successive stage in food chains due to large energy losses between trophic levels.
  • Outline three reasons why the amount of energy decreases at higher trophic levels.
  • State the average amount of energy passed through each trophic level in a food chain.
C4.2.13- Heat loss to the environment in both autotrophs and heterotrophs due to conversion of chemical energy to heat in cell respiration.
  • Describe the reasons why heat created by living organisms is eventually lost from the ecosystem.
C4.2.14- Restrictions on the number of trophic levels in ecosystems due to energy losses.
  • State that at each successive trophic level there are few organisms and less biomass. 
  • Explain why there is a limited number of  trophic levels in an ecosystem.
C4.2.15- Primary production as accumulation of carbon compounds in biomass by autotrophs.
  • Define biomass.
  • Define gross and net primary production. 
  • State the unit of primary production. 
  • Outline why different biomes will vary in their capacity to accumulate biomass. ​
C4.2.16- Secondary production as accumulation of carbon compounds in biomass by heterotrophs.
  • Define secondary production. 
  • Explain why secondary production is lower than primary production in an ecosystem. ​
C4.2.17- Constructing carbon cycle diagrams.
  • Define sink, pool and flux as related to the carbon cycle. 
  • Draw a diagram of the carbon cycle through a terrestrial ecosystem; include processes of diffusion, photosynthesis, feeding and respiration.​
​​​​C4.2.18- Ecosystems as carbon sinks and carbon sources.
  • State the conditions under which an ecosystem is a carbon sink. 
  • State the conditions under which an ecosystem is a carbon source. 
  • Define sequestration in relation to a carbon sink.​
​​​​C4.2.19- Release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during combustion of biomass, peat, coal, oil and natural gas.
  • Define combustion. 
  • State the reactants and products of a combustion reaction. 
  • State sources of fuel for a combustion reaction. 
  • Outline formation of peat, coal, oil, natural gas and biomass.​
​​​​C4.2.20- Analysis of the Keeling Curve in terms of photosynthesis, respiration and combustion.
  • Sketch a graph of the annual fluctuation in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.
  • Explain the annual fluctuation in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in terms of photosynthesis and respiration.
  • State the long-term trend depicted in the Keeling curve.
  • Explain the reason for the long term trend depicted in the Keeling curve.
​​​​C4.2.21- Dependence of aerobic respiration on atmospheric oxygen produced by photosynthesis, and of photosynthesis on atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by respiration.
  • State the source of atmospheric oxygen. 
  • Explain the interdependence of aerobic respiration and photosynthesis. 
  • Outline how the annual flux of CO2 is estimated, including the unit.​
​​​​C4.2.22- Recycling of all chemical elements required by living organisms in ecosystems.  
  • State that chemical elements can be recycled but energy can not.
  • List elements required by living organisms that must be cycled through ecosystems. 
  • Outline the generalized flow of nutrients between the abiotic, autotrophic and heterotrophic components of an ecosystem.
  • State the role of decomposers in nutrient cycles. ​
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Picture
  • ⭐IB Bio Syllabus⭐
    • Unity and Diversity (A) >
      • A1 molecules >
        • A1.1: Water
        • A1.2: Nucleic Acids
      • A2 Cells >
        • A2.1: Origins of Cells
        • A2.2: Cell Structure
        • A2.3: Viruses
      • A3 Organisms >
        • A3.1: Diversity of Organisms
        • A3.2: Classification and Cladistics
      • A4 Ecosystems >
        • A4.1: Evolution and Speciation
        • A4.2: Conservation of Biodiversity
    • Form and Function (B) >
      • B1 Molecules >
        • B1.1: Carbohydrates and Lipids
        • B1.2: Proteins
      • B2 Cells >
        • B2.1 Membranes and Membrane Transport
        • B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization
        • B2.3 Cell Specialization
      • B3 Organisms >
        • B3.1 Gas Exchange
        • B3.2 Transport
        • B3.3 Muscle and Motility
      • B4 Ecosystems >
        • B4.1 Adaptation to Environment
        • B4.2 Ecological Niches
    • Interaction and Interdependence (C) >
      • C1 Molecules >
        • C1.1: Enzymes and Metabolism
        • C1.2: Cell Respiration
        • C1.3: Photosynthesis
      • C2 Cells >
        • C2.1: Chemical Signaling
        • C2.2: Neural Signaling
      • C3 Organisms >
        • C3.1: Integration of Body Systems
        • C3.2: Defense Against Disease
      • C4 Ecosystems >
        • C4.1 Populations and Communities
        • C4.2 Transfers of Energy and Matter
    • Continuity and Change (D) >
      • D1 Molecules >
        • D1.1: DNA Replication
        • D1.2: Protein Synthesis
        • D1.3: Mutation and Gene Editing
      • D2 Cells >
        • D2.1: Cell and Nuclear Division
        • D2.2: Gene Expression
        • D2.3: Water Potential
      • D3 Organisms >
        • D3.1: Reproduction
        • D3.2: Inheritance
        • D3.3: Homeostasis
      • D4 Ecosystems >
        • D4.1: Natural Selection
        • D4.2: Stability and Change
        • D4.3: Climate Change
    • Legacy Syllabus (2016) >
      • Core >
        • 1: Cell Biology >
          • 1.1: Introduction to Cells
          • 1.2: Ultrastructure of Cells
          • 1.3: Membrane Structure
          • 1.4: Membrane Transport
          • 1.5: The Origin of Cells
          • 1.6: Cell Division
        • 2: Molecular Biology >
          • 2.1: Molecules to Metabolism
          • 2.2: Water
          • 2.3: Carbohydrates and Lipids
          • 2.4: Proteins
          • 2.5: Enzymes
          • 2.6: DNA and RNA
          • 2.7: DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation
          • 2.8: Cell Respiration
          • 2.9: Photosynthesis
        • 3: Genetics >
          • 3.1: Genes
          • 3.2: Chromosomes
          • 3.3: Meiosis
          • 3.4: Inheritance
          • 3.5: Genetic Modification and Biotechnology
        • 4: Ecology >
          • 4.1: Species, Communities and Ecosystems
          • 4.2: Energy Flow
          • 4.3: Carbon Cycling
          • 4.4: Climate Change
        • 5: Evolution and Biodiversity >
          • 5.1: Evidence for Evolution
          • 5.2: Natural Selection
          • 5.3: Classification and Biodiversity
          • 5.4: Cladistics
        • 6: Human Physiology >
          • 6.1: Digestion and Absorption
          • 6.2: The Blood System
          • 6.3: Defense Against Infectious Disease
          • 6.4: Gas Exchange
          • 6.5: Neurons and Synapses
          • 6.6: Hormones, Homeostasis and Reproduction
      • Higher Level >
        • 7: Nucleic Acids >
          • 7.1: DNA Structure and Replication
          • 7.2: Transcription and Gene Expression
          • 7.3: Translation
        • 8: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis >
          • 8.1: Metabolism
          • 8.2: Cell Respiration
          • 8.3: Photosynthesis
        • 9: Plant Biology >
          • 9.1: Transport in the Xylem of Plants
          • 9.2: Transport in the Phloem of Plants
          • 9.3: Growth in Plants
          • 9.4: Reproduction in Plants
        • 10: Genetics and Evolution >
          • 10.1: Meiosis
          • 10.2: Inheritance
          • 10.3: Gene Pools and Speciation
        • 11: Animal Physiology >
          • 11.1: Antibody Production and Vaccination
          • 11.2: Movement
          • 11.3: Kidney and Osmoregulation
          • 11.4: Sexual Reproduction
      • Options >
        • D: Human Physiology >
          • D.1: Human Nutrition
          • D.2: Digestion
          • D.3: Functions of the Liver
          • D.4: The Heart
          • D.5: Hormones and Metabolism
          • D.6: Transport of Respiratory Gases
  • IB Requirements
    • Learner Profile
    • Collaborative Sciences Project
    • External Assessment
    • Internal Assessment >
      • Research Design
      • Analysis
      • Conclusion
      • Evaluation
    • Extended Essay
  • Exam Revision
    • Revision Tools
  • Skills for Biology
    • Tools >
      • Experimental Techniques >
        • Addressing Safety
        • Measuring Variables >
          • Lab Drawings
          • Measurement Uncertainty
        • Techniques >
          • Microscopy
      • Technology >
        • Graphing with Excel
      • Mathematics >
        • Statistics >
          • Glossary of Statistic Terms and Equations
          • Descriptive Statistics >
            • Skew and the Normal Distribution
            • Outliers
            • Measures of Central Tendancy
            • Measures of Spread
            • Pearson Correlation
          • Inferential Statistics >
            • T-Test
            • ANOVA
            • Kruskal-Wallis
            • X2 Test for Independence
            • X2 Goodness of Fit
        • Graphing >
          • Interpreting Error Bars
    • Inquiry Processes >
      • Exploring & Designing >
        • Research Questions
        • Hypotheses and Predictions
        • Varaibles
        • Sampling
      • Collecting & Processing Data >
        • Data Tables
      • Concluding & Evaluating >
        • Error Analysis
  • SHS Course Info
    • Above & Beyond >
      • Biology Club
      • Pumpkin Carving
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Science News
      • Wood Duck Project (legacy)
      • Invasive Crayfish Project (legacy)
    • Assessment >
      • Class Grading IB Bio I
      • Class Grading IB Bio II
      • Daily Quizzes (legacy)
      • Lab Practicals (legacy)
    • Class Photos
    • Recommendations
  • Contact
  • About
    • Philosophy
    • Resume
    • Reflection
    • Favorite Quotes
    • AEF Blog
  • Expeditions
    • Bahamas (2009)
    • Trinidad (2010)
    • Trinidad (2011)
    • Ecuador (2012)
    • Trinidad (2013)
    • Peru (2014)
    • Bahamas (2015)
    • Peru (2016)
    • Costa Rica (2017)
    • Costa Rica (2018)
    • Arizona (2022)
    • Florida (2023)
    • Belize (2024)
    • Costa Rica (2025)
  • Summer Ecology Research
  • Teacher Resources