Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following describes the process by which nitrogen circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems?
Which of the following describes the process by which nitrogen circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems?
The Earth is an open system when it comes to carbon atoms.
The Earth is an open system when it comes to carbon atoms.
False
What is the role of transpiration in an ecosystem?
What is the role of transpiration in an ecosystem?
Transpiration helps in the movement of water through a plant and its evaporation from leaves and stems.
________ is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals on the surface of Earth.
________ is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals on the surface of Earth.
Signup and view all the answers
Which cycle involves the movement of sulfur through the atmosphere and living things?
Which cycle involves the movement of sulfur through the atmosphere and living things?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the biogeochemical cycle with its description:
Match the biogeochemical cycle with its description:
Signup and view all the answers
During ecosystem processes, what happens to matter?
During ecosystem processes, what happens to matter?
Signup and view all the answers
How does energy from the sun enter an ecosystem?
How does energy from the sun enter an ecosystem?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following are considered biogeochemical cycles? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are considered biogeochemical cycles? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
Oxygen is not essential for the metabolism of living organisms.
Oxygen is not essential for the metabolism of living organisms.
Signup and view all the answers
What role do sulfur compounds play in chemical reactions necessary for life?
What role do sulfur compounds play in chemical reactions necessary for life?
Signup and view all the answers
The __________ contains all organisms on Earth.
The __________ contains all organisms on Earth.
Signup and view all the answers
Match each type of ecosystem service with its description:
Match each type of ecosystem service with its description:
Signup and view all the answers
Which molecule is essential for energy transfer in cells?
Which molecule is essential for energy transfer in cells?
Signup and view all the answers
Trees and plants provide regulating services by filtering air and preventing erosion.
Trees and plants provide regulating services by filtering air and preventing erosion.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one way ecosystems contribute to cultural services for humans.
Name one way ecosystems contribute to cultural services for humans.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of decomposition in ecosystems?
What is the primary purpose of decomposition in ecosystems?
Signup and view all the answers
The carbon cycle only involves the movement of carbon within living organisms.
The carbon cycle only involves the movement of carbon within living organisms.
Signup and view all the answers
What are fossil fuels primarily made from?
What are fossil fuels primarily made from?
Signup and view all the answers
The __________ is the layer of gas that surrounds the Earth.
The __________ is the layer of gas that surrounds the Earth.
Signup and view all the answers
Which element is known for its role in cellular respiration?
Which element is known for its role in cellular respiration?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following components with their definitions:
Match the following components with their definitions:
Signup and view all the answers
The hydrosphere refers to the solid part of the Earth, including rocks and minerals.
The hydrosphere refers to the solid part of the Earth, including rocks and minerals.
Signup and view all the answers
What process involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-Atmosphere system?
What process involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-Atmosphere system?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Biogeochemical Cycles
- Nitrogen Cycle: The process of nitrogen conversion between different chemical forms within atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems.
- Phosphorus Cycle: The movement of phosphorus through soil, water, and living and dead organic matter.
- Sulfur Cycle: The movement of sulfur through the atmosphere, mineral forms, and living things.
- Water Cycle: The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.
Basic Processes
- Conservation of Matter: Matter is not created or destroyed during ecosystem processes, only rearranged into different molecules.
- Closed System: Earth is a closed system for water, nutrients, and minerals because only a tiny amount of matter enters from space.
- Energy Flow: Energy from the sun enters plants through photosynthesis, is passed through food chains, and is lost as heat to the environment.
Major Biogeochemical Cycles
- Hydrologic Cycle: The continuous circulation of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
- Carbon Cycle: The movement of carbon atoms through the atmosphere, Earth, and organisms.
- Nitrogen Cycle: The conversion of nitrogen between different chemical forms, involving biotic and abiotic processes.
- Oxygen Cycle: The movement of oxygen between the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
- Phosphorus Cycle: The movement of phosphorus through soil, water, and living and dead organic matter involving both biotic and abiotic processes.
- Sulfur Cycle: The movement of sulfur through the atmosphere, mineral forms, and living things involving both biotic and abiotic processes.
Importance of Elements for Life
- Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Oxygen: Common in living organisms due to their ability to bond easily with carbon and their abundance in nature.
- Phosphorus: Essential for energy transfer and metabolism.
- Sulfur: Acts as a catalyst, aiding chemical reactions necessary for life.
Earth's Spheres
- Hydrosphere: Contains all the water on Earth.
- Geosphere: Contains all the solid land on Earth.
- Biosphere: Contains all living organisms on Earth.
- Atmosphere: Contains all the air on Earth.
Ecosystem Services
- Support Services: Maintain fundamental ecosystem processes like habitat, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity.
- Provision Services: Provide material outputs like food, water, and raw materials.
- Regulating Services: Control ecosystem processes like climate regulation, pollination, and disease control.
- Cultural Services: Provide non-material benefits like spiritual enrichment, recreation, and aesthetic experiences.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the fundamental biogeochemical cycles including nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and water. Understand the principles of conservation of matter, energy flow, and Earth's closed systems. This quiz will enhance your grasp of how these cycles interact within ecosystems.
