Matter Cycles: Carbon and Nitrogen Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary product of cellular respiration alongside energy?

  • Glucose
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Carbon dioxide (correct)
  • Oxygen

What role do nitrogen-fixing bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

  • Converting ammonia into nitrogen gas
  • Facilitating photosynthesis
  • Decomposing organic matter
  • Converting nitrogen gas into ammonia (correct)

How does excessive nitrogen addition affect ecosystems?

  • Increases biodiversity
  • Leads to eutrophication (correct)
  • Reduces soil nutrient levels
  • Enhances photosynthesis in all plants

What is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth?

<p>Limestone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary gas exchanged during the process of combustion?

<p>Carbon dioxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when carbon dioxide is dissolved in ocean water?

<p>Formation of carbonic acid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process helps to assimilate nitrogen into plants?

<p>Nitrification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does photosynthesis play in the carbon cycle?

<p>It converts carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?

<p>It reduces the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is NOT part of the carbon cycle?

<p>Fermentation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is carbon considered a crucial element for living organisms?

<p>It can create multiple types of bonds, leading to diverse molecules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does excess carbon dioxide have on the environment?

<p>It contributes to global warming. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method by which carbon is introduced into the food web?

<p>Through photosynthesis in plants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT involved in the process of photosynthesis?

<p>Nitrogen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the disruption of the carbon cycle by human activity?

<p>Heightened global warming. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon between Earth, the atmosphere, and living things.

Photosynthesis

The process used by plants to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

Respiration

A chemical reaction that releases energy stored in food by breaking down glucose into carbon dioxide and water.

Combustion

Burning of organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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Dissolving

The process by which carbon dioxide dissolves in water, forming carbonic acid.

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Deforestation

The removal of trees, reducing the amount of carbon absorbed through photosynthesis and increasing atmospheric carbon.

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Greenhouse gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

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Global warming

A gradual increase in Earth's average temperature caused by excess greenhouse gases.

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What is respiration?

The process by which organisms exchange gases with the environment. During cellular respiration, oxygen and glucose are taken in to produce energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. This process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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What is combustion?

The process of burning matter, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels, like coal and oil, are burned for energy, releasing carbon dioxide. Combustion also occurs during forest fires, deforestation, and volcanic eruptions.

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What is Nitrogen Fixation?

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for living things. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, which is then used by nitrifying bacteria to produce nitrites and nitrates, forms usable by plants.

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What is Nitrogen Assimilation?

The process by which nitrogen enters plants and is used to create biomolecules, like proteins and nucleic acids. Plants are eaten by other organisms, passing nitrogen through the food web.

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What is the ocean's role in the carbon cycle?

One of the largest carbon reservoirs on Earth. Carbon dioxide from the air dissolves in water, forming carbonic acid. Over time, this acid can become compressed into rock on the ocean floor or incorporated into shells of marine organisms.

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What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

The process by which nitrogen moves between the Earth, atmosphere, and living things. Nitrogen is an essential element for life, found in proteins and nucleic acids. Nitrogen gas is abundant in the atmosphere but not usable by most living things, requiring conversion through nitrogen fixation.

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How do humans disrupt the Nitrogen cycle?

Humans contribute to excess nitrogen in ecosystems by using fertilizers on crops. Runoff from these fertilizers adds excess nitrogen to environments, leading to eutrophication, where excessive algae growth disrupts the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

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Study Notes

Matter Cycles: Carbon and Nitrogen

  • Matter cycles are crucial for life on Earth, transporting and storing matter between the Earth, atmosphere, and living things. Essential elements like carbon and nitrogen are made available for living processes.

Carbon Cycle

  • The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between these components. It is vital because human disruption of this cycle is linked to global warming.
  • Carbon moves through different processes:
    • Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO2 from the air, incorporating it into their structures (glucose).
    • Respiration: Organisms release CO2 into the atmosphere.
    • Combustion: Burning of organic matter (e.g., fossil fuels) releases CO2.
    • Dissolving: CO2 dissolves in water bodies.
  • Carbon is fundamental to life's molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.). Its unique electron configuration allows for complex molecular structures.
  • Ocean as a Carbon Sink: The ocean absorbs CO2, forming carbonic acid. Over time, this can become limestone (a significant carbon reservoir). Excess CO2 leads to ocean acidification.
  • Human Impact: Deforestation reduces CO2 absorption via photosynthesis, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to global warming and climate change.

Nitrogen Cycle

  • The nitrogen cycle moves nitrogen through Earth's systems. Nitrogen is essential for proteins and nucleic acids.
  • Nitrogen Fixation: Atmospheric nitrogen must be converted into usable forms by organisms or lightning. This is typically performed by bacteria.
  • Assimilation: Plants take up nitrogen from soil to form biomolecules, and this nitrogen passes through the food web.
  • Nitrogen Recycling: When organisms die, nitrogen is released back into the environment for reuse in the cycle.
  • Human Impact: Excess nitrogen from fertilizers can enter ecosystems and cause eutrophication (excess nutrient buildup leading to harmful algal blooms).

Comparing Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

Feature Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle
Element Cycled Carbon Nitrogen
Key Processes Photosynthesis, Respiration, Combustion, Dissolving Fixation, Assimilation
Major Human Disruptions Increased atmospheric CO2 (deforestation, burning fossil fuels) leading to global warming. Eutrophication from excess fertilizer nitrogen.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential matter cycles of carbon and nitrogen. This quiz covers processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion, revealing how they impact life and global warming. Understand the significance of these cycles in maintaining ecological balance.

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