Energy Flow and Hydrologic Cycle Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of energy in an ecosystem?

Heat generated by consumers

Chemical energy from producers

Decomposed organic matter

Solar radiation (correct)

How efficient is the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy by green plants?

1-5% (correct)

20-30%

100%

50-60%

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

Random and cyclical

Unidirectional and non-cyclic (correct)

Bidirectional and non-linear

Cyclic and bidirectional

During energy transfer in an ecosystem, what happens to energy according to thermodynamics?

It degrades from concentrated to dispersed form Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are classified as producers in an ecosystem?

Photosynthetic organisms Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the ecosystem?

They transform dead material into nutrients for soil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about energy transformations in ecosystems is accurate?

Energy loss occurs as heat during transfers Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the solar energy in the atmosphere reaches the Earth's surface?

47% Signup and view all the answers

What do nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia (NH4) to in the soil?

Nitrates (NO3) Signup and view all the answers

Which process replenishes atmospheric nitrogen (N2) from nitrates in the soil?

Denitrification Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria is primarily responsible for converting nitrites to nitrates?

Nitrifying bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Where do denitrifying bacteria typically live to perform their function?

Deep soil and aquatic sediments Signup and view all the answers

What is the byproduct of the denitrification process?

Nitrogen gas (N2) Signup and view all the answers

Which form of nitrogen can be directly absorbed and used by green plants?

Nitrate (NO3) Signup and view all the answers

What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

They convert ammonia to nitrates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial product formed when bacteria convert organic nitrogen to ammonium?

Ammonium (NH4) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into food?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon in decomposed plants and animals?

Most returns to the atmosphere, while some remains underground. Signup and view all the answers

How does carbon in underground deposits release back into the atmosphere?

Slowly over many years. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these processes is NOT part of the carbon cycle?

Evaporation from rivers Signup and view all the answers

What significant role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?

They contain the largest store of carbon on Earth. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect the rate of transpiration in plants?

Carbon dioxide levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of animals consuming plants regarding carbon?

Carbon becomes part of the animal's body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes condensation in the water cycle?

Water vapor cools and falls as rain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy flows unidirectionally, entering as solar radiation and converted into chemical energy by producers (plants).
This energy is then transferred to consumers (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, scavengers) at different trophic levels.
Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the environment.
Approximately 1-5% of solar energy reaching the ground is converted into chemical energy by plants.
The laws of thermodynamics govern energy transfer: energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred; and energy transfer leads to energy degradation (heat loss).
No energy transformation is 100% efficient; energy is always lost as heat.

The Hydrologic Cycle

Evaporation: Sun heats water, changing it to vapor.
Condensation: Water vapor cools and becomes liquid again in the atmosphere.
Precipitation: Condensed water falls as rain, snow, etc.
Transpiration: Evaporation of water from plants; affected by sunlight, humidity, soil moisture, wind, and plant type.
Runoff: Water flows into rivers, streams, and oceans.

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is a fundamental element of life, found in rocks, oceans, and the atmosphere.
Plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, incorporating it into their tissues.
Animals obtain carbon by consuming plants or other animals.
When plants and animals die, decomposition releases carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2.
Some carbon is not fully decomposed and ends up in underground deposits (oil, coal).
Carbon in rocks and underground deposits releases slowly into the atmosphere over long periods.
Oceans store a significant amount of carbon.

The Nitrogen Cycle

Bacteria play crucial roles in nitrogen transformations.
Ammonification: Bacteria convert organic nitrogen into ammonium (NH4).
Nitrification: Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium to nitrites (NO2) and then nitrates (NO3), which plants can use.
Denitrification: Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back to atmospheric nitrogen (N2), closing the cycle. This happens in oxygen-poor environments.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the energy flow in ecosystems and the hydrologic cycle. This quiz covers the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation processes. Perfect for students studying ecology or environmental science!