Biogeochemical Cycles and Processes
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Biogeochemical Cycles and Processes

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following describes the process by which nitrogen circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems?

  • Sulfur cycle
  • Nitrogen cycle (correct)
  • Phosphorus cycle
  • Water cycle

    • The Earth is an open system when it comes to carbon atoms.

    False

    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.

    <p>Weathering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cycle involves the movement of sulfur through the atmosphere and living things?

    <p>Sulfur cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the biogeochemical cycle with its description:

    <p>Nitrogen cycle = Circulation of nitrogen compounds in the ecosystem Phosphorus cycle = Transformation of phosphorus in soil and water Sulfur cycle = Movement of sulfur through the atmosphere and living beings Water cycle = Continuous movement of water within Earth and atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During ecosystem processes, what happens to matter?

    <p>Atoms are rearranged but no new matter is created</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does energy from the sun enter an ecosystem?

    <p>Energy from the sun enters the ecosystem through photosynthesis in plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are considered biogeochemical cycles? (Select all that apply)

    <p>Carbon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Oxygen is not essential for the metabolism of living organisms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do sulfur compounds play in chemical reactions necessary for life?

    <p>They act as a catalyst.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ contains all organisms on Earth.

    <p>biosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of ecosystem service with its description:

    <p>Provisioning service = Providing food and raw materials Cultural service = Nonmaterial benefits like recreation and aesthetic experiences Regulating service = Moderating ecosystem processes Support service = Maintaining fundamental ecosystem processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which molecule is essential for energy transfer in cells?

    <p>Phosphorus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Trees and plants provide regulating services by filtering air and preventing erosion.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one way ecosystems contribute to cultural services for humans.

    <p>Spiritual enrichment or recreational activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of decomposition in ecosystems?

    <p>To separate a substance into simpler components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The carbon cycle only involves the movement of carbon within living organisms.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are fossil fuels primarily made from?

    <p>Fossilized plant and animal remnants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ is the layer of gas that surrounds the Earth.

    <p>atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element is known for its role in cellular respiration?

    <p>Oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components with their definitions:

    <p>Assimilation = Integration of nutrients into organisms Evaporation = Change from liquid to gas Nitrogen Fixation = Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to usable forms Biogeochemical Cycle = Natural pathways for elemental circulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The hydrosphere refers to the solid part of the Earth, including rocks and minerals.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-Atmosphere system?

    <p>Hydrologic cycle</p> 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.

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    Related Documents

    Matter and Energy in Ecosystems Study Guide PDF

    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.

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