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Questions and Answers
Which statements accurately describe the roles of decomposers in the carbon cycle? (Select three options)
Which statements accurately describe the roles of decomposers in the carbon cycle? (Select three options)
- Decomposers return carbon compounds to the soil. (correct)
- Decomposers remove carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis.
- Decomposers use carbon to make food molecules.
- Decomposers break down the remains of dead plants and animals. (correct)
- Decomposers release carbon dioxide into the air as waste. (correct)
Explain how human activity can affect the carbon cycle.
Explain how human activity can affect the carbon cycle.
Human activity increases carbon in the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and clearing forests.
What is free nitrogen?
What is free nitrogen?
- Nitrogen that has been fixed by bacteria.
- Nitrogen that is ready for plants to use.
- Nitrogen that is returned to the soil by decomposers.
- Nitrogen that cannot be used by organisms. (correct)
How do plants obtain nitrogen?
How do plants obtain nitrogen?
How does the use of fertilizer affect the nitrogen cycle?
How does the use of fertilizer affect the nitrogen cycle?
Once water vapor has been released into the atmosphere, it rises and cools, turning back into a liquid. What is this process called?
Once water vapor has been released into the atmosphere, it rises and cools, turning back into a liquid. What is this process called?
Carbon, nitrogen, and water are recycled through ecosystems many times. Which one of these eventually breaks down completely?
Carbon, nitrogen, and water are recycled through ecosystems many times. Which one of these eventually breaks down completely?
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Study Notes
Decomposers and the Carbon Cycle
- Decomposers play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by breaking down dead organic matter, including plants and animals.
- They release carbon dioxide as a byproduct during decomposition, returning carbon compounds to the soil.
- Decomposers do not remove carbon dioxide from the air; this process is carried out by plants during photosynthesis.
Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle
- Human activities significantly influence carbon levels in the atmosphere, primarily through burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), which releases carbon dioxide.
- Deforestation, particularly through clearcutting, decreases the number of trees available for carbon absorption via photosynthesis, leading to higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
- Combustion of trees during clearing exacerbates the issue by releasing additional carbon dioxide.
Understanding Free Nitrogen
- Free nitrogen refers to nitrogen in the atmosphere that is not usable by organisms, thus emphasizing the necessity for nitrogen fixation.
Nitrogen Acquisition by Plants
- Plants obtain nitrogen by absorbing it through their roots from the soil rather than directly from the atmosphere.
Fertilizers and the Nitrogen Cycle
- The removal of crops during harvesting can deplete soil nitrogen, as little organic matter is left to decay and replenish nitrogen levels.
- Fertilizers supplement the soil with essential nitrogen compounds, ensuring continued plant growth and crop production.
Water Cycle Process
- After water vapor is released into the atmosphere, it rises and cools, which is known as condensation. This process is critical for cloud formation and precipitation.
Recycling of Elements in Ecosystems
- Among carbon, nitrogen, and water, nitrogen is the only element that eventually breaks down completely, highlighting its unique recycling process in ecosystems.
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