Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

Biogeochemical cycles continuously move chemical substances through the _____ and _____ compartments of the earth.

Back

abiotic and biotic

Answer explanation

Biogeochemical cycles move chemical substances through the living and non-living compartments of earth.

Front

Which of the following is not a process of the rock cycle? metamorphism, transpiration, cooling and crystallization, erosion

Back

transpiration

Answer explanation

The rock cycle processes include cooling & crystallization, weathering & erosion, and metamorphism. Transpiration is part of the hydrologic (water) cycle.

Front

Which organisms are responsible for converting nitrogen into nitrates? Options: plants, water, bacteria, humans

Back

bacteria

Answer explanation

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a usable form of nitrogen called nitrates.

Front

What is the purpose of carbon sinks?

Back

reduce carbon dioxide in the air

Answer explanation

Carbon sinks collect and store carbon, reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

Front

Where do many nitrogen fixing bacteria live? Options: soil, ground, dirt, roots

Back

soil, ground, dirt, roots

Answer explanation

Nitrogen fixing bacteria can be found in soil and the roots of plants like legumes (beans, clover, alfalfa)

Front

What is released by the weathering of rocks?

Back

carbon

Answer explanation

The rock cycle helps recycle carbon back into the air and parts of the earth.

Front

What would be the result if too much nitrogen made its way into an aquatic ecosystem?

Back

oxygen depleted dead zone will appear

Answer explanation

Too much nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems can cause eutrophication - causing algae blooms and pockets of very little oxygen called dead zones

Front

Respiration and decomposition release this back into the atmosphere.

Back

carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

Respiration takes oxygen from the air and releases carbon dioxide into the air. Decomposition breaks down organic materials and releases carbon dioxide back into the air and earth.

Front

Are all biogeochemical cycles connected?

Back

false

Answer explanation

All of the biogeochemical cycles are connected. One major connection between them is water.

Front

The hydrologic cycle moves ______ in and out of aquatic environments.

Back

nutrients