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Questions and Answers
Runoff contributes to weather patterns and ecosystem sustainability.
Runoff contributes to weather patterns and ecosystem sustainability.
True (A)
Renewable resources cannot be replenished once they are used.
Renewable resources cannot be replenished once they are used.
False (B)
Fossil fuels are considered renewable because they were formed millions of years ago.
Fossil fuels are considered renewable because they were formed millions of years ago.
False (B)
Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that continuously uses the same water within the ecosystem.
Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that continuously uses the same water within the ecosystem.
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Monocropping enhances soil quality by preserving nutrients.
Monocropping enhances soil quality by preserving nutrients.
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Selective logging involves clearing all trees in a forest area.
Selective logging involves clearing all trees in a forest area.
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Building dams and levees is a preventative method to decrease the impact of natural disasters.
Building dams and levees is a preventative method to decrease the impact of natural disasters.
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Photosynthesis uses oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose.
Photosynthesis uses oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose.
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Respiration is a process that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Respiration is a process that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
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Limestone is one of the largest reservoirs of carbon on Earth.
Limestone is one of the largest reservoirs of carbon on Earth.
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Humans disrupt the nitrogen cycle by causing a process called denitrification.
Humans disrupt the nitrogen cycle by causing a process called denitrification.
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The water cycle involves phases such as evaporation, condensation, and transpiration.
The water cycle involves phases such as evaporation, condensation, and transpiration.
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During nitrogen fixation, gaseous nitrogen is converted into nitrites by soil bacteria.
During nitrogen fixation, gaseous nitrogen is converted into nitrites by soil bacteria.
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The carbon cycle includes photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion as key components.
The carbon cycle includes photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion as key components.
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Precipitation in the water cycle can return to the surface as sleet or hail.
Precipitation in the water cycle can return to the surface as sleet or hail.
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Study Notes
Carbon Cycle
- The carbon cycle moves carbon through Earth, the atmosphere, and living things.
- Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and incorporates it into plants.
- Respiration releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Combustion (burning fossil fuels) releases carbon dioxide.
- Carbon dioxide dissolves in oceans as carbonic acid.
- Oceans are a large carbon reservoir, including limestone.
- Human activity disrupts the carbon cycle by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Nitrogen Cycle
- The nitrogen cycle moves nitrogen between the atmosphere, land, and living things.
- Nitrogen fixation (lightning or bacteria) converts atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia.
- Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrates and nitrites.
- Legumes (like soybeans) have symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Plants absorb these forms of nitrogen and incorporate them into biomolecules.
- Humans disrupt the nitrogen cycle through eutrophication (excess nitrogen).
Water Cycle
- The water cycle recycles freshwater on Earth.
- Main processes: evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
- Water transitions between liquid, solid, and gas forms.
- Evaporation, sublimation, and transpiration return water to the atmosphere.
- Condensation leads to precipitation (rain, snow, etc.).
- Runoff carries water to lower elevations.
- Infiltration returns water to groundwater.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
- Energy resources power homes, vehicles, and more.
- Renewable resources can be replenished (wind, water, geothermal, biomass).
- Non-renewable resources are finite (fossil fuels).
- Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) form from decomposed organic matter over millions of years.
- Conservation is key for sustainable use.
Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental sustainability manages resources for future use.
- Renewable resources can be replenished; non-renewable resources cannot.
- Sustainable development combines environmental protection with economic growth.
- Sustainable agriculture practices (crop rotation) preserve soil quality.
- Sustainable forestry practices (selective logging) reduce environmental impact and loss compared to clear-cutting.
Natural Disasters
- Natural disasters include hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, mudslides, volcanoes, and tsunamis.
- Preparation methods include warning systems, evacuation plans, and community preparedness.
- Preventative methods include identifying flood plains, building dams, and planting trees.
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Description
This quiz explores the essential carbon and nitrogen cycles, detailing their processes, interactions with living organisms, and the impact of human activities. Understand how these cycles contribute to ecosystem balance and the consequences of disruption. Test your knowledge of these vital ecological processes today!
