week 11

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Questions and Answers

What compounds are primarily formed from nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere?

NH4 and NO3

N2 and NH3

N2 and H2O

NO and NO2 (correct)

What is the main role of nitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

To fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia

To convert ammonium into nitrites and nitrates (correct)

To convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen

To convert nitrogenous waste into ammonium

How does excess nitrogen affect plant diversity?

It reduces plant diversity by diminishing the advantage of nitrogen-fixing species (correct)

It enhances biodiversity by promoting growth

It decreases soil fertility affecting all plants equally

It allows only nitrogen-fixing plants to thrive

Which of the following is true about the role of mycorrhizal fungus in nitrogen fixation?

It helps plants access nitrogen from the soil (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does nitrogen deposition below the critical load indicate?

It reduces plant diversity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of nitrogen pollution in water?

Bacteria from human waste (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is categorized as a source of nitrogenous air pollution?

High temperatures in engines (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which category does nitrates fall under regarding water pollution?

Plant nutrients (C) Signup and view all the answers

What process contributes to nitrogenous pollution from cars?

Oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen in engines (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is not a source of nitrogen pollution in water?

Coal combustion (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels containing carbon?

Carbon monoxide (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of waste is classified under oxygen-demanding waste?

Organic debris and waste (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which is a major source of nitrogen in water bodies?

Detergent runoff (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not contribute to nitrogenous water pollution?

Particulate carbon emissions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which source of nitrogen pollution is commonly associated with agricultural practices?

Fertilizer runoff (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of fertilizer runoff in aquatic ecosystems?

Eutrophication and oxygen depletion (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily initiated by the excess nitrates and phosphates from fertilizer runoff?

Algae bloom (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to underwater plants as a result of algae blooms?

They die off due to blocked sunlight (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the decomposition of algae and dead plants affect oxygen levels in water?

Oxygen depletion occurs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term effect of the eutrophication process on aquatic ecosystems?

Collapse of the ecosystem (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient components are primarily responsible for causing eutrophication when they runoff into water bodies?

Nitrates and phosphates (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does oxygen consumption by decomposers have on aquatic life?

Fish suffocate from lack of oxygen (A) Signup and view all the answers

Genetically modified crops that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere could potentially address which of the following issues?

Reduced fertilizer runoff (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: SC253: Ecology and Environmental Problems
Instructor: Prof. Amy L. Frick
Date: November 11, 2024

Housekeeping

Panel Presentations: Students will give ~20-minute presentations on November 18th or 25th. Topics are randomly assigned. Students not presenting will write a peer review of a classmate's presentation. No-shows will receive a 0 and are not permitted to make up the presentation.
Extra Credit Assignment: An optional extra credit assignment is available on Brightspace, focusing on commentary from HumanProgress.org.

Schedule

October 28: Evolution, biological magnification, mesocyclops, etc.
November 4: Carbon, climate change
November 11: Water, nitrogen
November 18: Presentations, Day 1
November 25: Presentations, Day 2
December 2: Final exam
December 9: Last day to submit overdue assignments

Panel Discussion Grading

Components: Statement of purpose/concepts, two key points, counter argument, supporting information, speaking, and follow-up question answers.
Point Values: Statement of purpose/concepts (3 points), two key points (4 points), counter argument (4 points), supporting information (3 points), speaking (4 points), answer to follow-up questions (3 points).
Total Possible Points: 20
Additional Information: Introduce your topic and cite facts for two key points. Anticipate what your opponent will say and refute it; Supplement your argument. Use notecards only and deliver naturally. Be ready to discuss your opinions and provide sources by presentation day.

Nitrogen

Diagram detail of Nitrogen in the environment, illustrating sources and pathways.
Nitrogen pollution in water – illustrations showing the impact.
Sources of water pollution – includes infectious agents (bacteria, viruses etc)
- oxygen-demanding waste
- inorganic chemicals
- radioactive materials -plant nutrients -organic chemicals -eroded sediment -heat/thermal pollution

Nitrogen in Air

Sources: Complete/incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen within engines.
Pollutants: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Particulate Carbon(soot), Unburned hydrocarbons, Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Sources of Nitrogenous Water Pollution

Agriculture: Sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria
Industry: Organic and inorganic chemicals
Mining: Eroded sediments and toxic chemical runoff

Nitrogen Cycle

Diagram illustrating the nitrogen cycle
Transformations & agents involved: Nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification.
Importance of Bacteria: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria play key roles in various nitrogen transformation processes.

Nitrogen in Plants

Mycorrhizal fungus: helps plants take up nitrogen and phosphates
Genetically modified crops: Legumes and cereal crops; approaches such as nodule forming symbiosis, heterologous expression, etc.

Cultured Meat

Process: Removal of muscle tissue, stem cells, and growth with plant-based serum.
End product: Cultured meat ready for consumption

Eutrophication

Process: Fertilizer runoff (nitrates, phosphates) → Algae bloom → Aquatic plant death → Oxygen depletion → Fish suffocation → Ecosystem collapse
Visual aids of the process (illustrations).
Geographical distribution of Eutrophic and Hypoxic Areas.
Critical load of nitrogen needed to reduce species diversity in relation to a map of the USA.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts and topics covered in SC253: Ecology and Environmental Problems, including evolution, climate change, and nitrogen cycles. Prepare for the peer review component by understanding your classmates' presentations and main arguments. The quiz will help solidify your understanding before presentation days.