Learn on PengiAmplify Science (California) Grade 7Chapter 1: Photosynthesis

Lesson 1: Diagnosing the Failure

Key Idea.

Section 1

The Energy Crisis

Key Idea

A sustained decrease in biomass within an ecosystem indicates a critical failure in energy flow. When organisms shrink in mass or die off, it signifies a systemic depletion of Energy Storage Molecules (ESMs).

Without a sufficient supply of these essential fuel packets, organisms cannot maintain their biological functions. Growth and reproduction cease, leading to a rapid, system-wide collapse of the food web.

Section 2

A Sealed World

Key Idea

A biodome functions as a model of a closed system. Unlike open environments where resources can be replenished from the outside, a closed system is sealed. Nothing enters or leaves except light energy.

This isolation dictates that matter—every atom of carbon, oxygen, and water—must be constantly recycled. The survival of the system depends entirely on the efficient internal cycling of finite resources.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

The Energy Crisis

Key Idea

A sustained decrease in biomass within an ecosystem indicates a critical failure in energy flow. When organisms shrink in mass or die off, it signifies a systemic depletion of Energy Storage Molecules (ESMs).

Without a sufficient supply of these essential fuel packets, organisms cannot maintain their biological functions. Growth and reproduction cease, leading to a rapid, system-wide collapse of the food web.

Section 2

A Sealed World

Key Idea

A biodome functions as a model of a closed system. Unlike open environments where resources can be replenished from the outside, a closed system is sealed. Nothing enters or leaves except light energy.

This isolation dictates that matter—every atom of carbon, oxygen, and water—must be constantly recycled. The survival of the system depends entirely on the efficient internal cycling of finite resources.

Overview

Lesson overview

Review the lesson summary and core properties without leaving the current page.

Overview

Section 1

The Energy Crisis

Key Idea

A sustained decrease in biomass within an ecosystem indicates a critical failure in energy flow. When organisms shrink in mass or die off, it signifies a systemic depletion of Energy Storage Molecules (ESMs).

Without a sufficient supply of these essential fuel packets, organisms cannot maintain their biological functions. Growth and reproduction cease, leading to a rapid, system-wide collapse of the food web.

Section 2

A Sealed World

Key Idea

A biodome functions as a model of a closed system. Unlike open environments where resources can be replenished from the outside, a closed system is sealed. Nothing enters or leaves except light energy.

This isolation dictates that matter—every atom of carbon, oxygen, and water—must be constantly recycled. The survival of the system depends entirely on the efficient internal cycling of finite resources.