Earth Science Quiz: Ecosystems and Cycles

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What is the primary composition of Earth's atmosphere?

76% nitrogen, 22% oxygen, 2% other gases

70% nitrogen, 25% oxygen, 5% other gases

80% nitrogen, 15% oxygen, 5% other gases

78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other gases (correct)

Which of the following describes the lithosphere?

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth

The rocky outer shell of the Earth (correct)

A vast layer of water covering the Earth

The layer that supports all forms of life

What percentage of Earth's water is found in the oceans?

75%

85%

97% (correct)

90%

What is a significant characteristic of the biosphere?

It encompasses all locations where life exists within the other three spheres. Signup and view all the answers

How does the atmosphere affect Earth's temperature?

It moderates temperature by preventing excessive heating and cooling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when liquid water transforms into water vapor?

Evaporation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a process associated with the water cycle?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What serves as a carbon source in the carbon cycle?

Atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about biogeochemical cycles is true?

All matter is part of a biogeochemical cycle. Signup and view all the answers

How is carbon cycled from nonliving to living organisms?

By respiration and photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What type of consumer is characterized by eating both plants and animals?

Omnivore Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of food chains?

They show a sequence of organisms feeding on one another. Signup and view all the answers

How do food webs differ from food chains?

Food webs provide a more accurate representation of interactions within an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the fox population when its primary food source is removed from the food web?

It may decrease as they find alternative food sources. Signup and view all the answers

Why is biodiversity important in food webs?

It decreases vulnerability to the decline of a single food source. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a sustainable ecosystem?

It can maintain the same characteristics over time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines an ecosystem?

All living organisms in a region interacting with each other and their environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of energy for organisms in an ecosystem?

Radiant energy from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What process allows organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a human impact that makes ecosystems unsustainable?

Destroying natural habitats Signup and view all the answers

What is one major human activity that directly contributes to increased carbon levels in the atmosphere?

Burning fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential effect of climate change?

Melting ice caps and glaciers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes nitrogen fixation?

It converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What role do denitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

They convert nitrogen compounds back to atmospheric nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

How do excess nitrogen compounds typically manifest in the environment?

As urea and ammonia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor?

Mosquitoes Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines the success of a species within a habitat?

Biotic factors and interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which abiotic factor is crucial for both terrestrial and aquatic species?

Heat from sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What defines whether a species can flourish in a specific environment?

The combination of abiotic and biotic factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following influences the population size of a species?

Predators and food availability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of chlorophyll in plants?

To absorb sunlight for photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Where does cellular respiration occur in plant cells?

In mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is produced as a result of photosynthesis?

Oxygen and sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cellular respiration is true?

It can happen continuously in organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What role do producers have in the ecosystem?

They convert sunlight into energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the sugar produced during photosynthesis?

It is stored for energy or used as building blocks. Signup and view all the answers

How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?

The products of photosynthesis are the reactants of cellular respiration. Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are classified as consumers?

Organisms that obtain energy by eating others Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction occurs when two individuals compete for the same resources?

Competition Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the maximum population size that a particular species can sustain in an ecosystem?

Carrying capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a negative impact on carrying capacity?

Cutting down trees Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains the depletion of shared resources when individuals act independently without regard for the common good?

Tragedy of the Commons Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship called when one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed?

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers