Chapter 16 Biogeochemical Cycles
combustion
The process of burning fuels that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
condensation
The process through which water vapor becomes clouds
an increase in plant growth and algae
A contractor uses a nitrogen fertilizer on the grass lawns in a new subdivision. A heavy rain washes some of the fertilizer into a nearby pond. Which of the following is the most likely immediate effect to be seen in the pond ecosystem? (5.2) a.An increase in mushrooms surrounding the pond b.An increase in the large fish population c.An increase in plant and algae growth d.An increase in water clarity
carbon fixation
Converting inorganic carbon into organic carbon
it would increase the amount of carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere
An increase in the number of consumers, including humans, would have what effect on an ecosystem? (5.2) a.It would increase the amount of carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere b.It would increase the amount of elemental carbon dissolved in the ocean c.It would decrease the amount of fossil fuels that are formed d.It would decrease the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere
nitrogen fixation
Bacteria on the root nodules and lightning use this process to convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia
nitrification
Bacterial process that converts ammonia to nitrates and nitrites
denitrification
Bacterial process that converts nitrates into nitrogen gas and returns nitrogen to the atmosphere
nitrates and nitrites
Before plants can use the nitrogen in ammonia, it must be changed into which form(s)? (5.2) a. nitrogen gas and nitrates b. nitrogen gas and nitrites c. nitrates and nitrites d. amino acids and nitrogen gas
photosynthesis
During which process is carbon fixed? (5.2) a. transpiration b. cellular respiration c. photosynthesis d. Combustion
nitrates and nitrites
Forms of nitrogen that can be used by plants to build proteins
the rate of evaporation increases
Global warming can be defined as the increase in the average atmospheric temperature. Which of the following is the best example of how global warming may affect the water cycle? (5.3) a.Groundwater tables increase b. The rate of evaporation increases c. water vapor in the atmosphere decreases d. Storm intensity decreases
by entering aquatic ecosystems through runoff and causing eutrophication
How can nitrogen fertilizers decrease biodiversity in an ecosystem? (5.2) a. By limiting the growth of plants b. By destroying nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil c. by decreasing the food supply of primary consumers d. By entering aquatic ecosystems through runoff and causing eutrophication
by eating plants or other animals
How do animals obtain carbon to be used in cellular processes? (5.2) a. By breathing in carbon dioxide b. By eating plants or other animals c. by photosynthesis d. Through combustion
photosynthesis
How does carbon dioxide from the atmosphere become transformed into the organic substance of sugar?(5.2) a. Cellular respiration b. Combustion of fossil fuels c. photosynthesis d. By dissolving in water e. Decomposition
it creates pollution and acid rain it creates nitrogen oxide gases that deplete earth's protective ozone layer it increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
How does the burning of fossil fuels negatively impact ecosystems? Select all that apply. (5.2) a.It increases biodiversity in tropical environments b.It creates air pollution and acid rain c.It causes eutrophication in lakes and ponds d.It creates nitrogen oxide gases that deplete earth's protective ozone layer e.It increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere f.It increases the pH of ocean water
it protects the earth from harmful radiation
How is ozone helpful? (5.2) a.It is needed for cellular respiration b. It protects the earth from harmful radiation c. it is used during combustion d. It helps form organic molecules
3
How many oxygen atoms make up a molecule of ozone? (5.2) 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
CO2
In what form is most carbon found in the atmosphere? (5.2) a. CO b. CO2 c. H6C12O6 d. H2CO3
by eating plants
Phosphorus is a vital component of every cell. How do animals obtain phosphorus from the phosphorus cycle? (5.2) a.By walking barefoot in soil b.By drinking water with dissolved phosphorus c. by breathing atmospheric phosphorus d. By eating plants
phosphorus is released to soil through the weathering of rocks
Phosphorus is often added to soil by commercial fertilizers. In the absence of fertilizer, what is a natural source of inorganic phosphorus that is used by plants? (5.2) a.Phosphorus is transferred to p plants by animals that graze b.Atmospheric phosphorus gas is absorbed by plants through gas exchange in their leaves c.Atmospheric phosphorus is transferred to plants by animals that absorb it through respiration d.Phosphorus is released to soil through the weathering of rocks
plant growth would be limited due to a lack of usable nitrogen
Recent studies indicate that certain pesticides can decrease the activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. What effect would this decrease have on an ecosystem? (5.2) a.Plant growth would be limited due to a lack of usable nitrogen b.Photosynthesis would be limited due to a decrease in atmospheric nitrogen c.Animal respiration would be limited due to a decrease in atmospheric nitrogen d.Decomposer populations would decrease due to a limited energy supply
carbohydrates
Sugars made by plants
the amount of biodiversity
The amount of precipitation in terrestrial ecosystems determines which of the following? (5.2) a. The overall surface temperature b. Soil depth c. the amount of biodiversity d. The degree of air pollution
water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle
The burning of fossil fuels may contribute to global warming by disrupting which three biogeochemical cycles? (5.3) a. water cycle b. carbon cycle c.oxygen cycle d. Nitrogen cycle e. Phosphorus cycle
eutrophication
The depletion of oxygen in a body of water often as a result of man-made fertilizer
the cycling of carbon between the atmosphere and living organisms
The diagram summarizes which aspect of the carbon cycle? (5.2) a.The cycling of carbon between the atmosphere and living organisms b.The cycling of carbon between the formation and burning of fossil fuels c.The cycling of carbon in and out of the soil d.The cycling of carbon between consumers and decomposers
transpiration
The loss of water from plants to the atmosphere
biogeochemical cycles
The movement of elements and compounds through an ecosystem
evaporation
The movement of water from bodies of water to the atmosphere
precipitation
The movement of water from the atmosphere to the ground
water cycle
The movement of water through an ecosystem
biosphere
The part of the earth where living organisms can be found
cellular respiration
Through what process do living organisms release carbon into the atmosphere? (5.2) a. Photosynthesis b. Cellular respiration c. transpiration d. Combustion
photosynthesis
Through which process is oxygen released into the atmosphere? (5.2) a.Combustion b.condensation c. photosynthesis d. Nitrification
runoff
Water that travels from ground surfaces to lakes, rivers, or oceans
the water cycle
What does this diagram best represent? (5.2) a.The nitrogen cycle b. The carbon cycle c. the water cycle d. The oxygen cycle
they increase the amount of nitrogen taken in by plants
What is the most immediate effect of nitrogen fertilizers on an ecosystem? (5.2) a.They decrease nitrogen-fixation by bacteria b.They decrease the amount of dissolved nitrogen in groundwater c.They increase the amount of nitrogen taken in by plants d.They increase atmospheric nitrogen
they release nitrogen into the soil when they break down dead organisms
What is the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle? (5.2) a.They release nitrogen gas into the atmosphere b.They release nitrogen during cellular respiration c.They use ammonia when they break down dead organisms d.They release nitrogen into the soil when they break down dead organisms
bacteria in the soil
What organisms are involved in converting ammonia in the soil to other forms of nitrogen? (5.2) a. Bacteria in the soil b. Some types of plants c. parasites in the soil d. Autotrophs
photosynthesis uses water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen
Which of the following statements is true about photosynthesis? (5.2) a. photosynthesis uses oxygen and water to produce glucose and carbon dioxide b. photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and oxygen to produce glucose and water c. photosynthesis uses glucose and water to produce oxygen and carbon dioxide d. photosynthesis uses water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen
an increase in the amount of fossil fuels burned
Which of the following would most directly increase the amount of carbon dissolved in the ocean? (5.3) a.An increase in the number of land animals dying and returning to the soil b.A decrease in fungi and bacteria found in the soil c.An increase in the amount of fossil fuels burned d.A decrease in the number of fish and marine animals found around a coral reef
cellular respiration and combustion of fossil fuels
Which process(es) change organic carbon in carbohydrates back into inorganic carbon in carbon dioxide. Select all that apply. (5.2) a. Cellular respiration b. Combustion of fossil fuels c. photosynthesis d. By dissolving in water e. Decomposition
nitrogen cycle and phosphorus cycle
Which two biogeochemical cycles are most directly affected by man-made chemical fertilizers? (5.2) a.Water cycle b. Carbon cycle c. oxygen cycle d. Nitrogen cycle e. Phosphorus cycle
carbon cycle and cycle
Which two cycles directly depend on photosynthesis and cellular respiration for part of the recycling process? (5.2) a. Water cycle b. Carbon cycle c. oxygen cycle d. Nitrogen cycle e. Phosphorus cycle
bacteria
Which type of organism carries out most nitrogen fixation? (5.2) a. Insects b. Plants c. bacteria d. Mammals
photosynthesis
How does carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enter into living organisms? (5.2) a. burning of forests b. combustion of fossil fuels c. photosynthesis d. Transpiration
through dead organisms
How does carbon enter the soil? (5.2) a. Through dead organisms b. Through photosynthesis c. through cellular respiration d. Through combustion
denitrification by bacteria
How does nitrogen get recycled back to the atmosphere? (5.2) a. Infiltration of groundwater b. Denitrification by bacteria c. runoff of precipitation d. Lightning in storm clouds
photosynthesis
Plant process that converts carbon dioxide into carbohydrates
transpiration
Plants release water into the atmosphere through which process? a. condensation b. transpiration c. photosynthesis d. percolation
cellular respiration
Process of living organisms that uses carbohydrates and releases carbon dioxide
a.Rising ocean levels and temperatures may damage coral reefs, which in turn decreases the number of fish and other marine animals that rely on the reefs b.An increase in runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams may cause flooding that can destroy crops and property c.Melting ice may disrupt the habitats of animals, such as seals and polar bears, who need ice to survive d.An increase in global temperatures affects the climates in all parts of the world and can result in droughts, flooding, storms, and hurricanes
Some scientists are concerned that global warming will impact the earth's ecosystems. Which of the following are examples of how global warming could negatively affect ecosystems? Select all that apply (5.3) a.Rising ocean levels and temperatures may damage coral reefs, which in turn decreases the number of fish and other marine animals that rely on the reefs b.An increase in runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams may cause flooding that can destroy crops and property c.Melting ice may disrupt the habitats of animals, such as seals and polar bears, who need ice to survive d.An increase in global temperatures affects the climates in all parts of the world and can result in droughts, flooding, storms, and hurricanes e.Leach minerals from the soil that are important for plant growth
ammonia
The result of nitrogen fixation and a component of consumer waste
they convert nitrates and nitrites in the soil to proteins
What role do plants play in the nitrogen cycle? (5.2) a.They release nitrogen into the atmosphere by decomposing nitrates and nitrites b.They convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia c.They produce and release nitrogen as a byproduct of photosynthesis d.They convert nitrates and nitrites in the soil to proteins
leaves of plants
Where does carbon fixation occur? (5.2) a. leaves of plants b. roots of fungi c. lungs of animals d. Underground
in the earth's crust
Where is most of the earth's oxygen found? (5.2) a. In the earth's crust b. In the atmosphere c. in water d. In plants.
acid rain
Which can damage an aquatic ecosystem by lowering the pH of lakes or pond? (5.2) a. Global warming b. Acid rain c. greenhouse gases d. Transpiration
an increase in producer populations
Which could result in a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide? (5.2) a.An increase in burning fossil fuels b.An increase in deforestation c.An increase in producer populations d.An increase in consumer populations
carbon is needed to make organic molecules
Which is the most important reason that the recycling of carbon is essential to living organisms? (5.2) a. Carbon is needed in the soil b. Carbon is needed for fuel combustion c. carbon is needed to make organic molecules d. Carbon is needed to make coal
the weathering and breakdown of rocks into soil
Which of the following adds inorganic phosphorus to an ecosystem? (5.2) a.The uptake of dissolved phosphates by aquatic plants b.The decomposition of plants and animals c.The weathering and breaking down of rocks into soil d.The uptake of minerals by the roots of terrestrial (land) plants
rising ocean levels and increased ocean temperatures
Which two factors related to the water cycle are the most likely to negatively impact coral reef ecosystems? (5.3) a. Rising ocean levels b. Greater runoff into streams and rivers c. increased cloud formation d. Increased rainstorm activity e. Decreased terrestrial plant growth f. Increased ocean temperatures
the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation
Which two human activities are most directly responsible for increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases? (5.3) a.The burning of fossil fuels b.Adding nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to soil to increase crop production c.Deforestation d.Construction of asphalt roads and parking lots e.Using pesticides that potentially kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria
clearing forests to harvest timber and burning fossil fuels for energy
Which two of the following human activities has the greatest potential for disrupting balance in the carbon cycle? (5.3) a. Restoring forests by planting trees b. Overfishing the oceans c. clearing forests to harvest timber d. Hunting large game animals for sport e. Burning fossil fuels for energy f. Increasing the use of solar energy panels
photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Which two processes are involved in both the oxygen cycle and the carbon cycle? (5.2) a. Combustion b. Transpiration c. photosynthesis d. Ozone production e. Cellular respiration f. Condensation
it is used to make proteins
Why is nitrogen important to living organisms? (5.2) a. It is used to make proteins b. It is needed for photosynthesis c. it is found in all organic molecules d. It is needed for cellular respiration
so it can be used by plants
Why must nitrogen gas and ammonia be converted to another form in the soil? (5.2) a. So it can produce lightning b. So it can be harvested by humans c. so it can be used by plants d. So it can kill bacteria in the soil