Understanding Our Environment
Explore the interactions between living organisms and their physical surroundings. Dive into energy flows, food webs, and the critical environmental challenges we face today.
1. Ecosystem & Components
An ecosystem is the sum of all interacting organisms (Biotic) and non-living factors (Abiotic) in an area. Use the interactive cards below to distinguish between the key players in our environment.
2. Energy Flow Lab
Energy flow is unidirectional and decreases at every step. Test the "10% Law" below. Enter an amount of solar energy to see how much actually reaches the top predators.
Try changing this number!
☀️ The 1% Rule
Green plants capture only about 1% of sunlight falling on leaves.
📉 The 10% Law
Only 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level. 90% is lost as heat/work.
🔗 Food Chains vs. Webs
- Chain: Linear sequence (e.g., Grass → Goat → Human).
- Web: Network of interconnected chains. More stable.
- Trophic Levels: The steps in the chain (Producers = T1, Herbivores = T2).
⚠️ Biological Magnification
Harmful chemicals (like DDT) accumulate in higher concentrations as you move UP the food chain.
3. Environmental Problems
Human activities disrupt the balance. Explore two critical issues: Ozone Depletion and Waste Management.
🛡️ Ozone Layer Depletion
Formation Equation
The Culprit: CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons (used in fridges/ACs) break down Ozone.
Result: More UV radiation hits Earth (Skin cancer risk).
Solution: UNEP (1987)
Global agreement to freeze CFC production.
♻️ Waste Management
Click the items below to sort them. Are they biodegradable or not?
Non-biodegradable: Persist, accumulate, pollute.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding with these questions from the syllabus.