OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter you should be able to understand,
explain, or describe
- the role photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) plays in
photosynthesis
- why leaves appear green to the human eye
- the importance of net primary production (NPP) in the cycle of
life
- the difference between gross primary production and net
primary production
- how energy flows through the food chain
- how human activity alters the hydrologic and various
biogeochemical cycles
- the importance of NPP in the carbon cycle
- how the flow of energy and materials in agricultural systems
and natural ecosystems differs
- how deforestation and biomass burning affect the carbon
cycle
- how consumption differs between developed and less developed
nations.