Environmental Geology and Natural Hazards

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What is the main reason most food chains have five or less links?

Because energy used to make biomass remains available to the next level
Because there are many chemical cycles like carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus
Because 90 percent of the food chain's energy is lost at each level (correct)
Because tertiary consumers are the top predators in the food chain

What is the main component of the sulfur cycle?

Sulfur is a non-metal obtained as a byproduct after the production of natural gas (correct)
Sulfur is a solid at room temperature
Sulfur has an extremely bad odour like rotten eggs
Sulfur makes up about 3% of the Earth's surface

What is the term for the comprehensive set of cyclical pathways by which a given nutrient moves through the environment?

Cyclic Operations of Ecosystem
Chemical Cycle
Ecological Pyramid
Biogeochemical Cycle (correct)

What is the relationship between the trophic levels in a food chain according to the 'ten percent law'?

Only 10% of the energy entering one trophic level forms biomass in the next trophic level (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the network of food chains representing the feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem?

Food Webs (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the total amount of organic matter present in a trophic level?

Biomass (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do alterations in the carbon cycle impact the climate?

Result in rising global temperatures and shifts in precipitation (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of human-induced alterations in the nitrogen cycle?

Nutrient runoff leading to water pollution (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do disruptions in the water cycle impact water availability?

Cause droughts or floods (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do alterations in geophysical cycles affect ecosystems?

Threaten biodiversity through habitat loss and fragmentation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are some economic repercussions of changes in geophysical cycles?

Negative economic consequences (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do excess fertilizer use influence aquatic ecosystems?

Result in water pollution and eutrophication (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main importance of the water cycle?

Regulating weather patterns (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the carbon cycle support life?

By facilitating the movement of carbon for plants and animals (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the water cycle contribute to the availability of freshwater for humans?

By ensuring a continuous supply of freshwater (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the carbon cycle play in climate regulation?

Controlling the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the water cycle contribute to the growth of crops and plants?

By facilitating the continuous movement of water on Earth's surface (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the carbon cycle considered the chemical backbone of life on Earth?

Because it provides energy-rich carbohydrates for living organisms (C) Signup and view all the answers