Cycles of Matter Flashcards

Questions and Answers

In the water cycle, clouds form as a result of ________

Condensation

Which BEST describes a role of animals in the water cycle?

They help water vapor condense when they produce waste.

They release water vapor through transpiration.

They help water vapor condense when they inhale.

They release water vapor when they exhale. (correct)

How is the nitrogen cycle important to humans?

It converts nitrogen into a form that humans can obtain by eating organisms. (correct)

It produces free nitrogen that humans can breathe.

It produces nitrogen compounds that humans can breathe.

It converts nitrogen into a form that humans can obtain by absorbing it through their skin.

Some precipitation that falls to Earth gets soaked up by soil. This water is referred to as _______.

Groundwater Signup and view all the answers

Cleo has a vegetable garden and wants to increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil. How can she MOST LIKELY do this?

Add several soybeans to her garden. Signup and view all the answers

List the steps of the carbon cycle in order based on Kate's description.

3, 2, 1, 4 Signup and view all the answers

Which label belongs in the area marked z for the ways in which different organisms obtain nitrogen?

Absorb from soil Signup and view all the answers

Which BEST compares the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and certain decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

The bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrogen-containing compounds, while the decomposers convert nitrogen-containing compounds into free nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

Which BEST describes the diagram illustrating part of the carbon cycle?

A consumer is obtaining carbon by eating carbon-based molecules stored in a producer. Signup and view all the answers

Which human activity would MOST LIKELY decrease the amount of carbon in the atmosphere?

Planting trees Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Cycle

Clouds form through the process of condensation.
Animals play a role in the water cycle by releasing water vapor during exhalation.

Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is crucial for humans as it converts nitrogen into forms that can be consumed by eating organisms.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert free nitrogen from the atmosphere into nitrogen-containing compounds, while decomposers convert these compounds back into free nitrogen.

Groundwater

Precipitation that seeps into the soil and is retained is known as groundwater.

Enhancing Soil Nitrogen

To increase nitrogen levels in soil, adding soybean plants is effective, as they naturally enrich soil with nitrogen.

Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle includes processes where plants absorb carbon dioxide via photosynthesis, which is then passed through consumers and returned to the soil when decomposers break down organic material.
The correct order of steps in the carbon cycle involves: plants taking in carbon dioxide, a rabbit eating the plant, the rabbit decomposing, and carbon compounds returning to the soil.

Organisms and Nitrogen Acquisition

Different organisms obtain nitrogen through various methods; some absorb nitrogen directly from the soil.

Role of Decomposers and Bacteria

A key distinction exists between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and decomposers: bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrogen compounds, while decomposers convert those compounds back into free nitrogen.

Human Impact on Carbon Levels

Planting trees is a human activity likely to decrease atmospheric carbon, in contrast to activities like deforestation or burning fossil fuels that increase carbon levels.

Description

Test your knowledge on the cycles of matter with these flashcards. Each card presents a key term or question that highlights the processes involved, such as the water cycle. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of environmental science concepts.