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Questions and Answers
Which of the following processes converts nitrate ($NO_3^−$) into nitrogen gas ($N_2$), effectively removing bioavailable nitrogen from an ecosystem?
Which of the following processes converts nitrate ($NO_3^−$) into nitrogen gas ($N_2$), effectively removing bioavailable nitrogen from an ecosystem?
- Denitrification (correct)
- Nitrification
- Assimilation
- Ammonification
A farmer observes that their corn crop is stunted and the leaves are yellowing despite sufficient watering and sunlight. Which nutrient deficiency is MOST likely limiting the growth of their plants?
A farmer observes that their corn crop is stunted and the leaves are yellowing despite sufficient watering and sunlight. Which nutrient deficiency is MOST likely limiting the growth of their plants?
- Nitrogen (correct)
- Phosphorus
- Carbon
- Water
Which of the following human activities has the LEAST direct impact on the phosphorus cycle?
Which of the following human activities has the LEAST direct impact on the phosphorus cycle?
- Application of phosphate-based fertilizers.
- Discharge of wastewater containing phosphates.
- Burning of fossil fuels. (correct)
- Erosion of rocks for fertilizer production.
What is a primary environmental consequence associated with clearcutting?
What is a primary environmental consequence associated with clearcutting?
Which innovation was NOT a key component of the Green Revolution?
Which innovation was NOT a key component of the Green Revolution?
A city implements stricter regulations on permeable surfaces, requiring new developments to incorporate green spaces and porous materials. What is the MOST likely reason for this policy?
A city implements stricter regulations on permeable surfaces, requiring new developments to incorporate green spaces and porous materials. What is the MOST likely reason for this policy?
Which of the following BEST describes the process of nitrogen fixation?
Which of the following BEST describes the process of nitrogen fixation?
Consider a scenario where a significant amount of fertilizer runoff enters a nearby aquatic ecosystem. What is the MOST likely immediate consequence?
Consider a scenario where a significant amount of fertilizer runoff enters a nearby aquatic ecosystem. What is the MOST likely immediate consequence?
Which of the following compounds is LEAST likely to be classified as organic?
Which of the following compounds is LEAST likely to be classified as organic?
A farmer observes increased soil erosion on their land. This is MOST likely a direct result of which agricultural practice?
A farmer observes increased soil erosion on their land. This is MOST likely a direct result of which agricultural practice?
A developing nation relies on slash-and-burn agriculture. What is the MOST significant long-term environmental consequence of this practice?
A developing nation relies on slash-and-burn agriculture. What is the MOST significant long-term environmental consequence of this practice?
A farmer wants to minimize water loss through evaporation and runoff while irrigating crops. Which irrigation method would be the MOST suitable?
A farmer wants to minimize water loss through evaporation and runoff while irrigating crops. Which irrigation method would be the MOST suitable?
After years of irrigation, a farmer notices a buildup of salt in the topsoil, hindering crop growth. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
After years of irrigation, a farmer notices a buildup of salt in the topsoil, hindering crop growth. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
When comparing organic and inorganic fertilizers, which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding their environmental impact?
When comparing organic and inorganic fertilizers, which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding their environmental impact?
A community is looking to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Which strategy would BEST address both soil erosion and water conservation?
A community is looking to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Which strategy would BEST address both soil erosion and water conservation?
Arrange the following crops in order from HIGHEST to LOWEST global production:
Arrange the following crops in order from HIGHEST to LOWEST global production:
A scientist is studying the effects of fertilizer runoff on a local stream. They collect data on the stream's pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels, as well as detailed descriptions of the algae present. Which types of data are being collected?
A scientist is studying the effects of fertilizer runoff on a local stream. They collect data on the stream's pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels, as well as detailed descriptions of the algae present. Which types of data are being collected?
In an experiment testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth, a scientist uses a group of plants that do not receive any fertilizer. What is the primary purpose of this control group?
In an experiment testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth, a scientist uses a group of plants that do not receive any fertilizer. What is the primary purpose of this control group?
Which of the following processes represents a 'sink' for nitrogen in an ecosystem?
Which of the following processes represents a 'sink' for nitrogen in an ecosystem?
A farmer observes increased algae blooms in a pond after applying fertilizer to their fields. This is an example of which process?
A farmer observes increased algae blooms in a pond after applying fertilizer to their fields. This is an example of which process?
Which of the following best describes the salinity levels found in a brackish water environment, such as a wetland where a river meets the ocean?
Which of the following best describes the salinity levels found in a brackish water environment, such as a wetland where a river meets the ocean?
A farmer observes that a new GMO crop requires significantly less pesticide application than previous non-GMO crops. What is the most likely environmental benefit of this?
A farmer observes that a new GMO crop requires significantly less pesticide application than previous non-GMO crops. What is the most likely environmental benefit of this?
How does the higher meat consumption in developed countries impact global resource use compared to developing countries?
How does the higher meat consumption in developed countries impact global resource use compared to developing countries?
A community is experiencing desertification due to overgrazing. What immediate action would be MOST effective in reversing this trend?
A community is experiencing desertification due to overgrazing. What immediate action would be MOST effective in reversing this trend?
How can implementing no-till farming MOST directly contribute to long-term soil health and sustainability?
How can implementing no-till farming MOST directly contribute to long-term soil health and sustainability?
How does the ecological footprint of a person who primarily consumes locally sourced, plant-based foods compare to someone who frequently eats imported meat?
How does the ecological footprint of a person who primarily consumes locally sourced, plant-based foods compare to someone who frequently eats imported meat?
A rectangular section of forest measures 20,000 meters by 500,000 meters. What is the area of this forest in square kilometers?
A rectangular section of forest measures 20,000 meters by 500,000 meters. What is the area of this forest in square kilometers?
A logging company clear-cuts a large area of old-growth forest, leading to significant soil erosion and habitat loss. Which environmental law is MOST directly violated by this action?
A logging company clear-cuts a large area of old-growth forest, leading to significant soil erosion and habitat loss. Which environmental law is MOST directly violated by this action?
How could consumers BEST promote sustainable forestry practices when purchasing wooden furniture?
How could consumers BEST promote sustainable forestry practices when purchasing wooden furniture?
A community has experienced a significant increase in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering a local freshwater ecosystem. What is the MOST likely long-term consequence of this nutrient pollution?
A community has experienced a significant increase in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering a local freshwater ecosystem. What is the MOST likely long-term consequence of this nutrient pollution?
Which of the following scenarios would MOST likely result in the contamination of a local aquifer?
Which of the following scenarios would MOST likely result in the contamination of a local aquifer?
A forested area is cleared for cattle grazing. How will this change MOST likely affect the local watershed's characteristics?
A forested area is cleared for cattle grazing. How will this change MOST likely affect the local watershed's characteristics?
Why are estuaries particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollution compared to other aquatic ecosystems?
Why are estuaries particularly vulnerable to the effects of pollution compared to other aquatic ecosystems?
Which of the following actions would be MOST effective in reducing the effects of nutrient runoff from agricultural land on a nearby river?
Which of the following actions would be MOST effective in reducing the effects of nutrient runoff from agricultural land on a nearby river?
Which of the following scenarios would be classified as an example of non-point source pollution?
Which of the following scenarios would be classified as an example of non-point source pollution?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between permeable rock and an aquifer?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between permeable rock and an aquifer?
How does sediment pollution primarily affect aquatic ecosystems?
How does sediment pollution primarily affect aquatic ecosystems?
Which of the following processes is most directly responsible for the replenishment of groundwater sources?
Which of the following processes is most directly responsible for the replenishment of groundwater sources?
Which of the following is a key difference between organic and sediment pollution?
Which of the following is a key difference between organic and sediment pollution?
Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture can lead to water contamination primarily through what process?
Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture can lead to water contamination primarily through what process?
How does the hydrologic cycle contribute to both groundwater contamination and purification?
How does the hydrologic cycle contribute to both groundwater contamination and purification?
What is the primary role of a groundwater model?
What is the primary role of a groundwater model?
Flashcards
Limiting Factor
Limiting Factor
Essential nutrient for DNA, ATP, and RNA that is crucial for life and nutrient movement.
Nitrification
Nitrification
The process of converting ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate by bacteria.
Denitrification
Denitrification
The process of converting nitrate back into nitrogen gas (N2).
Assimilation
Assimilation
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Clearcutting
Clearcutting
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Green Revolution
Green Revolution
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Organic Compounds
Organic Compounds
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Inorganic Compounds
Inorganic Compounds
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Calorie needs
Calorie needs
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Tilling
Tilling
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Slash and Burn
Slash and Burn
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Organic Fertilizers
Organic Fertilizers
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Inorganic Fertilizers
Inorganic Fertilizers
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Drip Irrigation
Drip Irrigation
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Quantitative Data
Quantitative Data
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Qualitative Data
Qualitative Data
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Eutrophication
Eutrophication
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Evaporation
Evaporation
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Transpiration
Transpiration
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Watershed
Watershed
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Water pollution
Water pollution
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Nutrient pollution
Nutrient pollution
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Groundwater
Groundwater
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Advantages of GMO Use
Advantages of GMO Use
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Disadvantages of GMO Use
Disadvantages of GMO Use
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Inefficient Meat Production
Inefficient Meat Production
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Ecological Footprint
Ecological Footprint
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Developed vs Developing Countries
Developed vs Developing Countries
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Overgrazing
Overgrazing
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Sustainable Agriculture Techniques
Sustainable Agriculture Techniques
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Free Grazing vs Overgrazing
Free Grazing vs Overgrazing
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Groundwater Contamination
Groundwater Contamination
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Hydrologic Cycle
Hydrologic Cycle
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Percolation
Percolation
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Nitrate
Nitrate
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Point Source
Point Source
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Non-Point Source
Non-Point Source
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Surface Water
Surface Water
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Organic Pollution
Organic Pollution
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Study Notes
Soil Formation and Soil Horizons
- Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms
- Soil forms from the weathering of rocks
- Horizons are layers within soil
- O (Organic): top layer, mainly organic matter
- A (Surface): topsoil, organic and mineral matter
- B (Subsoil): accumulation of minerals
- C (Substratum): least weathered layer
- R (Bedrock): unweathered parent material
Soil Conservation Techniques
- Contour plowing: plowing in curved lines to follow the land's contours
- Windbreaks: rows of trees planted around farmland to reduce wind erosion.
- No-till farming: crops are grown without tilling the soil
- Cover crops: crops planted to cover the soil and improve its health
Soil Composition
- Soil particles are arranged in order from smallest to largest: clay, silt, sand
- Loam is the best soil for agriculture
- Porosity is the amount of open space in a rock
- Permeability is how easily a liquid moves through a rock
Watersheds
- A watershed is an area of land that drains into a single body of water
- Watersheds are important for managing surface water quality and stormwater runoff
Biogeochemical Cycles
- Carbon: crucial for photosynthesis, major reservoir is oceans and rocks
- Nitrogen: builds proteins and DNA, essential for plant life; atmosphere is its main reservoir
- Phosphorus: part of DNA, RNA, and ATP; sedimentary rocks are its largest reservoir
- Water: essential for life, moves nutrients, major reservoir is oceans
Nitrogen Cycle Processes
- Nitrification: converting ammonia into nitrates
- Denitrification: converting nitrates into nitrogen gas
- Assimilation: incorporation of nitrogen into organisms' tissues
- Nitrogen Fixation: converting nitrogen gas into usable forms for plants and microorganisms
- Ammonification: decomposing organisms convert nitrogen into ammonia
Clearcutting
- A practice of cutting down all trees in an area
- Leads to habitat loss and biodiversity loss
- Increased soil erosion, sedimentation
Green Revolution
- Large increase in crop production in developing countries
- Use of fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties
- Four key innovations are chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fossil fuels, and farm machinery.
Agricultural Practices and Impacts
- Organic Compounds: contain carbon and hydrogen
- Inorganic Compounds: lack carbon-hydrogen bonds
Human impacts on Ecosystems
- Increasing Ocean Temperatures: Ocean warming reducing coral reefs' range of tolerance
- Sediment Runoff: Reduces light penetration and damages ocean bottoms.
- Destructive Fishing Practices: Damages and destroys reefs.
Human impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves.
- Threats to Mangroves: Desire for coastal living and fishing farms.
- Ecological services of Wetlands: water purification and flood protection.
Cultural Eutrophication
- Excess nitrates and phosphates in water lead to algae growth
- Algae die, bacteria degrades them
- Consuming oxygen reduces dissolved oxygen for other organisms.
Thermal Pollution
- Warmer water, less oxygen
- Power plants remove water for cooling, then release it back into rivers.
- Can be detrimental to aquatic life by altering temperature tolerance.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
- Synthetic, carbon-based molecules
- Don't break down easily
- Bioaccumulate in organisms and magnify in the food chain
Qualitative and Quantitative Data
- Qualitative: descriptions
- Quantitative: use numbers
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Description
Test your knowledge of nutrient cycles, environmental impacts, and sustainable practices. Questions cover topics like denitrification, nutrient deficiencies in agriculture, the phosphorus cycle, and consequences of clearcutting.
