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Questions and Answers
Which of the following processes involved in the carbon cycle primarily contributes to the long-term storage of carbon, rather than its immediate release into the atmosphere?
Which of the following processes involved in the carbon cycle primarily contributes to the long-term storage of carbon, rather than its immediate release into the atmosphere?
- The dissolution of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the oceans, forming carbonates that can be stored in marine sediments. (correct)
- The combustion of fossil fuels, which rapidly releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- The decomposition of organic matter in wetlands, which releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
- The respiration of animals, converting glucose into energy and releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle, and what is its primary consequence regarding atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle, and what is its primary consequence regarding atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
- Deforestation reduces the amount of vegetation available to absorb $CO_2$, leading to a net increase in atmospheric $CO_2$ levels. (correct)
- Deforestation has no significant impact on the carbon cycle because the released carbon is quickly reabsorbed by the soil.
- Deforestation increases the absorption of $CO_2$ because it stimulates the growth of new plants.
- Deforestation leads to a decrease in atmospheric $CO_2$ levels as the decomposing wood traps carbon in the soil.
Considering the nitrogen cycle, which role do microorganisms play in making nitrogen available to plants, and what specific transformation do they facilitate?
Considering the nitrogen cycle, which role do microorganisms play in making nitrogen available to plants, and what specific transformation do they facilitate?
- Microorganisms directly absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere and transport it to plant roots.
- Microorganisms assist in the consumption of plants by animals, converting plant proteins into nitrogenous compounds usable by other plants.
- Microorganisms facilitate the process of denitrification, converting nitrates in the soil back into atmospheric nitrogen.
- Microorganisms transform atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through nitrogen fixation, making it accessible to plants. (correct)
What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle, and how do they contribute to making nitrogen available for other plants in an ecosystem?
What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle, and how do they contribute to making nitrogen available for other plants in an ecosystem?
What environmental issue is primarily caused by intensive agriculture's impact on the nitrogen cycle?
What environmental issue is primarily caused by intensive agriculture's impact on the nitrogen cycle?
How does the conversion of light energy into chemical energy primarily influence energy transfer within an ecosystem?
How does the conversion of light energy into chemical energy primarily influence energy transfer within an ecosystem?
In the context of ecological efficiency, what critical information does the ratio of 'Energy used for growth' to 'Energy source provided' reveal about a specific trophic level?
In the context of ecological efficiency, what critical information does the ratio of 'Energy used for growth' to 'Energy source provided' reveal about a specific trophic level?
What is the key difference between Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?
What is the key difference between Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?
How does Net Secondary Productivity (PSN) differ from Gross Secondary Productivity (PSP)?
How does Net Secondary Productivity (PSN) differ from Gross Secondary Productivity (PSP)?
In the context of the carbon cycle, what is the most significant role of photosynthesis?
In the context of the carbon cycle, what is the most significant role of photosynthesis?
Considering energy transfer in ecosystems, what would most accurately describe the flow of energy after a rabbit consumes grass?
Considering energy transfer in ecosystems, what would most accurately describe the flow of energy after a rabbit consumes grass?
How does solar energy influence hydrological cycles in desert regions such as the Sahara?
How does solar energy influence hydrological cycles in desert regions such as the Sahara?
How does reforestation most directly contribute to the rapid recolonization of herbs and grasses on previously bare soil?
How does reforestation most directly contribute to the rapid recolonization of herbs and grasses on previously bare soil?
Flashcards
Respiration
Respiration
The process where animals use glucose and release carbon dioxide.
Decomposition
Decomposition
Decomposers convert organic material into carbon dioxide.
Combustion
Combustion
The burning of materials releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen Fixation
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Nitrification
Nitrification
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Solar Energy
Solar Energy
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Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
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Ecological Efficiency
Ecological Efficiency
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Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
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Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
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Gross Secondary Productivity (PSP)
Gross Secondary Productivity (PSP)
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Net Secondary Productivity (PSN)
Net Secondary Productivity (PSN)
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Carbon Cycle
Carbon Cycle
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Study Notes
- Theme 2 covers the flow of energy and matter within ecosystems.
Penetration of Energy into the Atmosphere
- Focuses on how energy, primarily solar energy, enters and interacts within the Earth's atmospheric system.
Solar Energy
- Solar energy influences Earth's climatic systems, hydrological cycles, and ecological processes.
- In desert regions, solar energy leads to high evaporation rates, impacting local hydrological cycles.
Ways Energy Penetrates the System
- Conversion of light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
- Agricultural fields harness solar light to produce sugars.
- Transfer of chemical energy moves from one trophic level to another, with some energy converted to heat.
- Visible light is converted to heat.
- Rocks exposed to the sun release heat during the night, affecting the thermal energy in the atmosphere.
- Dense forests absorb sunlight, storing some as heat.
- Energy enters as light, transforms via photosynthesis, and cycles through trophic levels.
- Part of the energy is lost as heat at each level.
- When a rabbit eats plants, it uses energy for functions, with a portion lost as heat.
Ecological Efficiency
- Ecological efficiency is the percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.
- It's calculated as the ratio of energy used for growth to the total energy available (multiplied by 100).
Productivity Types
- Biomass is the total mass of organisms in a given area, measured in g/m².
- Productivity is the rate of biomass conversion over time, measured in J/m²/year.
- Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) is the total energy fixed by photosynthesis over a given area and time.
- Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the energy remaining for consumers after plant respiration losses, calculated as NPP = GPP - R.
- Gross Secondary Productivity (GSP) is the total energy absorbed by consumers after excretion deductions, calculated as GSP = Ingested food - Excretion.
- Net Secondary Productivity (NSP) is the energy available to consumers after respiratory losses, calculated as NSP = GSP - R.
Transfers and Transformations of Energy
- Disturbances, such as plowing, lead to rapid recolonization by herbs and grasses in fields.
Carbon Cycle Study
- Study of the carbon cycle details its movement between living organisms and their environments.
- Plants extract CO2 for sugar production via photosynthesis.
- Animals and microorganisms consume glucose and release CO2 through respiration. Decomposers transform organic matter into CO2.
- Decomposers break down dead leaves, releasing CO2.
- Burning fossil fuels releases CO2 during combustion.
- Oceans absorb atmospheric CO2.
- Coral reefs use carbon to build skeletons.
The Role of Bacteria
- Bacteria transform ammonium into nitrites and nitrates, crucial for plant use in fertile soils.
Plant Absorption
- Plants uptake nitrates to synthesize proteins.
Herbivores
- Herbivores graze on grasslands, transforming and redistributing nitrogen.
Denitrification
- Denitrification converts nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen gas.
Decomposition
- Decomposers transform organic compounds into ammonium.
Environmental Impacts
- Plowing increases nitrate pollution in soils.
- Industrial activities lead to atmospheric nitrogen accumulation.
Human Impacts on the Carbon Cycle
- Deforestation reduces CO2 absorption.
- Burning fossil fuels, increases greenhouse gases.
- Ocean acidification endangers marine ecosystems.
Nitrogen Cycle
- The nitrogen cycle involves nitrogen's role in forming proteins and DNA in living things.
- Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonium (NH4+) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, especially in legumes.
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Description
Explores the penetration of energy into the atmosphere and its role in ecological processes. It covers solar energy's impact on climate, hydrological cycles, and photosynthesis in ecosystems. The transformation and transfer of energy through trophic levels are discussed.
