Module 1 Intro
1. Module 1 Intro
1.31. Page 3
Module 1—Energy Flow and the Cycling of Matter
Lesson Summary
You explored this essential question in Lesson 5:
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How do biodiversity and biomagnification relate to energy flow and the cycling of matter?
As you worked through Lesson 5, you may have found that biodiversity and biomagnification are relatively straightforward concepts. In previous lessons you have looked at the matter that really matters and how it gets around (biogeochemical and hydrologic cycles), as well as how energy (food) flows through trophic levels.
Biodiversity builds upon what you know about food chains and trophic levels, while biomagnification adds to what you know about the cycling of matter. The difference is that biomagnification deals with the cycling of harmful chemicals rather than essential nutrients. People have managed to unintentionally contribute matter to the biosphere, whichinstead of enhancing life, serves to minimize it. Fortunately, you are now aware of some human impacts and can make decisions about the actions you wish to take in the future.
Now that you are finished the lessons for this module, you should begin the module project in the Module Summary and Assessment.
Lesson Glossary
biodiversity: a variety in the number and kind of species in a given area
biomagnification: the buildup of harmful chemicals in higher trophic levels (top predators)