Biology Carbon Cycle Concepts

Questions and Answers

What is a cycle?

A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order (correct)

An unregulated sequence of actions

A series of random events

A collection of static elements

What is carbon?

An element that can bond with many elements and form unlimited chains

What is the carbon cycle?

The movement of carbon from the nonliving environment into living things and back

What is weathering?

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

What is precipitation of minerals?

Dissolved minerals come out of solution to form sediments on the ocean floor Signup and view all the answers

What are phytoplankton?

Photosynthetic algae found near the surface of the ocean Signup and view all the answers

What is photosynthesis?

Plants use the sun's energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars Signup and view all the answers

What is respiration?

The process by which cells break down simple food molecules to release the energy they contain Signup and view all the answers

What is decomposition?

A chemical reaction that breaks down compounds into simpler products Signup and view all the answers

What is diffusion?

The movement of particles from regions of higher density to regions of lower density Signup and view all the answers

What is nitrogen?

The most abundant gas in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is atmospheric nitrogen?

N2 sometimes referred to as nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is nitrous oxide?

A greenhouse gas emitted from fertilizers and animal wastes and produced from burning fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is ammonia?

A pungent gas compounded of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3) Signup and view all the answers

What is ammonium?

NH4+ Signup and view all the answers

What are nitrites?

Chemicals that contain a nitrogen and oxygen atom Signup and view all the answers

What are nitrates?

Nitrogen compounds used for growth by plants and algae Signup and view all the answers

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The recycling of nitrogen from decaying organisms for use in future generations Signup and view all the answers

What is a reservoir?

A place where a large quantity of a resource sits for a long period of time Signup and view all the answers

What is a process?

A series of actions or steps taken to achieve an end Signup and view all the answers

What is nitrogen fixation?

Process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb and use Signup and view all the answers

What is atmospheric fixation?

Lightning strikes, carbon atoms split and unite with oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is industrial fixation?

Nitrogen fixation performed by people to produce fertilizers and industrial chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What is biological fixation?

Carried out by certain kinds of soil bacteria and cyanobacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is nitrification?

Process by which certain bacteria convert ammonium to nitrates Signup and view all the answers

What is assimilation?

To absorb; to make similar Signup and view all the answers

What is denitrification?

Process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas Signup and view all the answers

What is human impact?

The effect of humans on an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What are consequences?

The results of some previous action Signup and view all the answers

What is ammonification?

Performed by bacteria to convert organic nitrogen to ammonia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Cycle

A cycle involves a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same sequence.

Carbon

Carbon is a versatile element capable of bonding with many other elements and forming extensive chains.

Carbon Cycle

Describes the movement of carbon between the nonliving environment and living organisms, facilitating essential biological processes.

Weathering (Dissolution)

The process of breaking down rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface, contributing to soil formation and nutrient availability.

Precipitation of Minerals

Occurs when dissolved minerals exit solution and accumulate as sediments on ocean floors, impacting geological formations.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic photosynthetic algae located near the ocean surface, playing a crucial role in carbon fixation and oxygen production.

Photosynthesis

A process where plants utilize sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars, essential for growth and energy storage.

Respiration

Cellular process breaking down food molecules to release energy for biological activities.

Decomposition

Involves chemical reactions that break down complex compounds into simpler products, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration, vital for gas exchange in organisms.

Nitrogen

The most prevalent gas in the atmosphere, essential for various biological processes and organic compounds.

Atmospheric Nitrogen

Composed primarily of diatomic nitrogen (N2), constituting about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Nitrous Oxide

A greenhouse gas produced from fertilizers, animal waste, and fossil fuel combustion, contributing to climate change.

Ammonia

A pungent gas (NH3) formed from nitrogen and hydrogen, significant in agricultural practices.

Ammonium

The ion (NH4+), a key component in nutrient cycling within ecosystems.

Nitrites

Chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, relevant in various biological processes.

Nitrates

Nitrogen compounds that are essential for plant and algae growth, enhancing ecosystem nutrient availability.

Nitrogen Cycle

The recycling process of nitrogen from decaying organisms back into the ecosystem for future use, vital for sustaining life.

Reservoir

A designation for a location where a substantial amount of a resource can be stored for long durations.

Process

Refers to a sequence of actions or steps designed to achieve a specific goal or outcome.

Nitrogen Fixation

The transformation of nitrogen gas into plant-usable nitrogen compounds, crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity.

Atmospheric Fixation

Occurs when lightning strikes cause nitrogen gas to split and react with oxygen, forming usable compounds.

Industrial Fixation

Human-driven nitrogen fixation aimed at producing fertilizers and industrial chemicals, affecting agricultural practices.

Biological Fixation

A process performed by specific soil bacteria and cyanobacteria, converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms absorbable by plants.

Nitrification

The bacterial conversion of ammonium into nitrates, essential for plant nutrient uptake.

Assimilation

The process by which organisms absorb nutrients and convert them into more complex organic forms.

Denitrification

The bacterial process that reduces nitrates back into nitrogen gas, completing the nitrogen cycle and releasing nitrogen into the atmosphere.

Human Impact

Refers to various effects human activities have on ecosystems, influencing biogeochemical cycles and species interactions.

Consequences

The outcomes of human activities, such as fish kills, algal blooms, acid rain, smog, and the introduction of invasive species, which alter ecosystem dynamics.

Ammonification

The conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia performed by bacteria, returning nutrients to the nitrogen cycle.

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Description

Explore key concepts of the carbon cycle, including the definition of cycles, the role of carbon, weathering processes, and the importance of phytoplankton. This quiz will test your understanding of these essential biological processes and their impact on Earth's ecosystems.