Biogeochemical Cycles Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into sugars?

  • Photosynthesis (correct)
  • Cellular Respiration
  • Volcanic Activity
  • Decomposition

What is one of the major roles of biogeochemical cycles?

  • Maintaining ecosystem health (correct)
  • Promoting drought conditions
  • Generating waste products
  • Crating fossil fuels

Which form of carbon is specifically absorbed by methanotrophs?

  • C6H12O6
  • CH4 (correct)
  • C3H8
  • CO2

What is humus, and how is it formed?

<p>Stable carbon-rich material from decomposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle?

<p>By converting glucose and oxygen into energy and carbon dioxide (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations is NOT a major carbon recycling site?

<p>Solar system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best describes the impact of volcanic activity on the carbon cycle?

<p>It releases carbon dioxide from molten rock into the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which manner does carbon enter the food chain?

<p>Through autotrophs using carbon dioxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process do Nitrosomonas bacteria perform in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Convert ammonium to nitrite (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which conditions does denitrification primarily occur?

<p>Low oxygen environments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with leaching of nitrates from soil?

<p>Water pollution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process best describes the breakdown of rocks without changing their mineral composition?

<p>Mechanical weathering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a process of mechanical weathering?

<p>Oxidation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to minerals during hydrolysis?

<p>They react with water and change composition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of eutrophication in aquatic environments?

<p>Depletion of oxygen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method of chemical weathering?

<p>Hydrolysis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of ozone in the atmosphere?

<p>To protect life from harmful UV radiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when ultraviolet radiation splits molecular oxygen?

<p>Ozone (O3) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the discontinuous cycle of ozone formation and breakdown?

<p>It helps maintain the balance of oxygen in the stratosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is nitrogen gas (N2) considered unusable by most life forms?

<p>It contains three strong bonds between nitrogen atoms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process converts nitrogen gas in the atmosphere into usable ammonia?

<p>Nitrogen Fixation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do decomposers contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

<p>By breaking down organic matter into ammonium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does lightning play in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>It fixes nitrogen gas into usable forms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of the process known as nitrification?

<p>Conversion of ammonium ions to nitrates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form in which phosphorus exists in the Earth's crust?

<p>Phosphate minerals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process describes the washing away of phosphorus from the soil by rainfall or irrigation?

<p>Leaching (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles does phosphorus play in plant physiology?

<p>Photosynthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from excess phosphorus in water bodies?

<p>Eutrophication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do plants acquire phosphate ions necessary for their growth?

<p>Through root systems from the soil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the phosphorus cycle, what role do detrivores play?

<p>They break down organic matter, releasing phosphorus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the phosphorus cycle from the nitrogen and carbon cycles?

<p>Presence of a gaseous phase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geological process can return phosphorus from ocean or lake beds to land?

<p>Uplift (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process by which oxygen is released back into the atmosphere?

<p>Photosynthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when CO2 is absorbed by ocean water?

<p>It forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does human activity primarily influence the carbon cycle?

<p>By burning fossil fuels and wood. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component makes up about 30% of Earth's mass?

<p>Oxygen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes a redox reaction?

<p>A reaction involving the transfer of electrons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which process is oxygen consumed, contributing to its cycle?

<p>Aerobic respiration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the oxidation process?

<p>An atom loses electrons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can release oxygen found in minerals and rocks?

<p>Volcanic activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of phosphorus in living organisms?

<p>Formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process involves the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere?

<p>Transpiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of the water cycle does water change from vapor to liquid?

<p>Condensation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water droplets in clouds before they fall to Earth?

<p>They combine and grow larger (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of precipitation that seeps into the soil called?

<p>Infiltration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence runoff?

<p>Air temperature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when snow and ice change directly from solid to vapor?

<p>Sublimation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is accumulation in the context of the water cycle?

<p>Collection of water in bodies like rivers and lakes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cycle

A series of events that regularly repeat in the same order, often involving the movement and transformation of matter.

Biogeochemical cycle

The study of how chemical elements move through Earth's different spheres, involving biological, geological, and chemical processes.

Importance of Biogeochemical cycles

Essential for sustaining life on Earth by moving elements through the environment, providing energy and regulating climate.

Carbon

A key element found in all known life forms, forming the backbone of many organic compounds.

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Carbon cycle

The continuous movement of carbon between the atmosphere, terrestrial biosphere, Earth's interior, oceans, and living organisms.

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Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen.

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Cellular Respiration

The process by which organisms break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

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Decomposition

The breakdown of dead organisms and waste by bacteria and fungi, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

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Oxygen Cycle

The process by which oxygen moves through different parts of Earth's ecosystem, including the atmosphere, ocean, and crust.

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Oxidation

The process of losing electrons in a chemical reaction, resulting in an increase in oxidation state.

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Reduction

The process of gaining electrons in a chemical reaction, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state.

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Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction where oxidation states of atoms change due to the transfer of electrons. Examples include rusting of iron or burning of wood.

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Oxidation

A chemical reaction where oxygen combines with other elements, often forming oxides; it's also a loss of electrons in a substance.

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Reduction

The process of gaining electrons in a chemical reaction. It's the opposite of oxidation.

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Oxygen Cycle

The process where oxygen moves between the Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and crust, including through photosynthesis, cellular respiration, volcanic activity, and combustion.

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What is ammonia oxidation?

The process where nitrogen is converted from ammonia (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-) by Nitrosomonas bacteria.

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What is nitrate oxidation?

The process where nitrite (NO2-) is converted to nitrate (NO3-) by Nitrobacter bacteria.

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What is denitrification?

The process of denitrifying bacteria (like Pseudomonas and Clostridium) converting nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O).

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What is leaching?

The process where excess nitrates (NO3-) from the soil are carried away by water into rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

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What is mechanical weathering?

The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces due to physical forces, without changing the mineral composition.

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What is chemical weathering?

The breakdown of rocks due to chemical reactions, changing the mineral composition.

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What is dissolution?

A chemical reaction where minerals are dissolved into ions, like when calcite dissolves in water.

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What is oxidation?

A chemical reaction where minerals react with oxygen in water.

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Ozone

A gas that forms a protective layer in the Earth's stratosphere by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

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Ozone Formation

The process by which oxygen molecules (O2) in the stratosphere are split by UV radiation, creating single oxygen atoms that then react with other O2 molecules to form ozone (O3).

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Ozone Breakdown

The process by which ozone (O3) absorbs UV radiation and breaks down into oxygen atoms and molecules, helping maintain the balance of oxygen in the stratosphere.

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Nitrogen (N2)

The most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, making up roughly 78% of air.

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Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is converted into usable forms, primarily ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4+), by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

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Ammonification (Mineralization)

The process by which decomposers break down organic matter into ammonium (NH4+), which can be used by plants.

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Nitrification

The conversion of ammonium ions (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3-) through the action of nitrifying bacteria in the soil, making nitrogen available for plants.

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Assimilation

The process by which plants absorb ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3-) from the soil and convert it into nitrogen-containing organic compounds, such as proteins and DNA.

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Phosphorus Cycle

The process by which phosphorus moves through the environment, such as soil, water, organisms, and rocks.

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Phosphorus in Rocks and Minerals

Phosphorus primarily exists in Earth's crust as phosphate minerals like apatite. These minerals are not easily soluble in water, staying locked in rocks and sediments. Over time, they slowly release phosphorus into the soil and water.

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Assimilation by Plants

Plants absorb phosphate ions from the soil through their roots. These ions are vital nutrients for plants, crucial for energy transfer (ATP), photosynthesis, and DNA/RNA synthesis. Plants use phosphorus for growth, developing roots, flowers, seeds, and fruits.

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Leaching and Runoff

Some phosphorus in the soil is carried away by water through leaching (being washed away by rain or irrigation) or runoff (surface water carrying it to lakes, rivers, and oceans). This can lead to eutrophication, an overgrowth of algae that depletes oxygen and harms aquatic ecosystems.

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Phosphorus and Aquatic Ecosystems

Phosphorus is transported into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where it is used by aquatic plants and algae. Some of the phosphorus becomes part of the bodies of aquatic organisms like fish and algae, continuing the cycle through the food web.

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Geological Uplift

Over long periods, sedimentary phosphorus from ocean or lake beds can be uplifted by tectonic activity (movements in Earth's crust). This returns phosphorus to the land, completing the geological part of the cycle.

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Phosphorus Cycle: Slow and Steady

Unlike the nitrogen and carbon cycles, phosphorus doesn't have a significant gaseous phase. This makes the phosphorus cycle much slower than other cycles because phosphorus is mainly stored in rocks and minerals, taking longer to move through the ecosystem.

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What is the water cycle?

The continuous movement of water through Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. It involves states changes of water (liquid, vapor, solid) and includes processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

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What is evaporation?

The process where liquid water changes into water vapor, primarily due to heat from the sun. It occurs mostly from oceans, but also from soil, plants, and freshwater.

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What is transpiration?

Plants absorbing water through their roots and releasing it as water vapor through tiny openings on their leaves called stomata.

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What is condensation?

As water vapor rises and cools, it changes back into tiny water droplets forming clouds. This happens in cooler atmospheric conditions.

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What is precipitation?

Water droplets in clouds combine and become heavy enough to fall back to Earth as rain, snow, hail, or sleet due to gravity.

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What is infiltration?

Water soaking into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and aquifers. This water can be used for drinking and irrigation.

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What is groundwater flow?

Water moves downward through the land to become part of underground aquifers and water tables.

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What is runoff?

Water that doesn't infiltrate flows over the ground, entering rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean. It's influenced by terrain, vegetation, and precipitation.

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Study Notes

Biogeochemical Cycles

  • Biogeochemical cycles describe the movement of elements (like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and water) through the Earth's systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere).
  • These cycles are crucial for life, maintaining energy, sustaining nutrients, and regulating climate.

Carbon Cycle

  • Carbon exists in two major forms: CO2 and CH4.
  • Autotrophs (like plants and algae) absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
  • Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
  • Decomposition of dead organisms returns carbon to the environment.
  • Fossil fuels contain stored carbon, released into the atmosphere through combustion.
  • Volcanic activity releases carbon dioxide from Earth's interior.
  • Oceans absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, forming carbonic acid.

Oxygen Cycle

  • Oxygen is essential for life, comprising about 21% of Earth's atmosphere and 65% of the human body.
  • Photosynthesis releases oxygen as a byproduct.
  • Cellular respiration consumes oxygen.
  • Oxidation processes (like rusting) require oxygen.
  • Volcanic activity and geological processes can also release oxygen.

Nitrogen Cycle

  • Nitrogen gas (N2) is the most abundant atmospheric gas (78%).
  • Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms (ammonia and ammonium) by certain bacteria.
  • Ammonification breaks down organic matter into ammonium, usable by plants.
  • Nitrification converts ammonium to nitrate, which is easily absorbed by plants.
  • Denitrification converts nitrate back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.
  • Lightning also plays a role in nitrogen fixation.
  • Leaching can remove excess nitrates from the soil, leading to water pollution.

Sulfur Cycle

  • Sulfur is a vital element in many biological processes, often found in rocks.
  • Volcanic eruptions and the decomposition of organic matter release sulfur compounds into the atmosphere.
  • Sulfur compounds can fall to the ground as acid rain.
  • Plants absorb sulfate ions, which animals consume, and sulfur returns to the soil through decomposition.

Phosphorus Cycle

  • Phosphorus is essential for DNA, RNA, ATP, and cell membranes, and is a significant component of bones and teeth.
  • Weathering and erosion release phosphate ions into the soil, but phosphorus does not have a gaseous phase like nitrogen or carbon.
  • Plants absorb phosphate ions for growth and development.
  • Phosphorus enters the water cycle through runoff and leaching.
  • Geological uplifting can return phosphorus to the land.

Water Cycle

  • The water cycle (hydrological cycle) describes water's continuous movement.
  • Processes include evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, groundwater flow, and runoff.
  • Evaporation converts liquid water to water vapor.
  • Transpiration releases water vapor from plants.
  • Condensation forms clouds from water vapor.
  • Precipitation returns water to Earth's surface (rain, snow, hail).
  • Infiltration moves water into the ground.
  • Groundwater flow moves water underground.
  • Runoff returns water to larger bodies of water.
  • Sublimation is the conversion of ice or snow directly to water vapor.

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Lesson 6&7: Cycles (PDF)

Description

Test your knowledge on biogeochemical cycles and their roles in the ecosystem. This quiz covers topics such as the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and the processes involved in nutrient recycling. Explore key concepts including cellular respiration, denitrification, and the effects of volcanic activity.

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