ENVS 223 Soil Ecology Midterm Study Guide
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of plants taking in carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and creating stored energy?

  • To build more complicated molecules with nitrogen and phosphorus
  • To decompose and provide nutrients to the soil
  • To use the energy for photosynthesis
  • To release energy for respiration (correct)

    • How do sand, silt, and clay differ in terms of pore sizes?

  • Sand has small pore space, silt has medium pore space, and clay has large pore space.
  • Sand has large pore space, silt has small pore space, and clay has medium pore space.
  • Sand has small pore space, silt has large pore space, and clay has medium pore space. (correct)
  • Sand has medium pore space, silt has small pore space, and clay has large pore space.

    • Why do sandy soils hold so little water compared to clayey soils?

  • Sandy soils have small particles with tight packing.
  • Clayey soils have large particles with large pore spaces.
  • Sandy soils have large particles with large pore spaces.
  • Clayey soils have small particles with tiny pore spaces. (correct)

    • What is the approximate proportion of living organisms in soil?

    <p>~1%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do plants utilize the simple sugars produced by photosynthesis?

    <p>To build more complex molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when organisms (including plants) break down sugar in their cells?

    <p>They metabolize the energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it challenging to study any aspect of soil in isolation?

    <p>Due to the complex classification of organisms like algae in soil ecology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What implication does the phylogeny of all life on Earth have for studying soil science?

    <p>It demonstrates the complexity and potential confusion when classifying organisms in soil ecology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of land plants in the creation of soil according to the text?

    <p>Soil formation is initiated by the decomposition of land plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it crucial to study both the readings and class notes for the exam?

    <p>Readings may contain information not discussed in class, which could be included on the exam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What makes the classification of organisms in soil ecology particularly challenging?

    <p>The overlapping terms used for classifying organisms in soil ecology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between soil and plant ecosystems?

    <p>Dead plants play a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of soil ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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