Biogeochemical cycles

Front

Which is NOT a process of the water cycle? Options: precipitation, freezing, transpiration, evaporation

Back

freezing

Answer explanation

Freezing is not a process of the water cycle. The main processes include precipitation, transpiration, and evaporation, which describe the movement of water in various forms, while freezing is a physical change.

Front

The process of plants losing water through their leaves is called ____.

Back

transpiration

Answer explanation

The process of plants losing water through their leaves is called transpiration. This is essential for nutrient transport and temperature regulation in plants, distinguishing it from evaporation, which refers to water loss from any surface.

Front

Why do living things need nitrogen?

Back

To make proteins AND amino acids

Answer explanation

Living things need nitrogen to synthesize amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Therefore, nitrogen is essential for making both proteins and amino acids, making the correct answer "To make proteins AND amino acids."

Front

What is the only process that removes carbon from the atmosphere?

Back

photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the only process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as plants convert CO2 into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. The other processes, like combustion and respiration, release carbon back into the atmosphere.

Front

Where is carbon stored in the environment?

Back

All of the above

Answer explanation

Carbon is stored in various forms in the environment, including fossil fuels, the wood of trees, and calcium carbonate found in shells and bones. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Front

These gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere causing global warming.

Back

Green House gases

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Green House gases' because these gases, like carbon dioxide, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming. Other options do not accurately describe this phenomenon.

Front

What process could move nitrogen from a golf course using large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer into a local stream?

Back

runoff

Answer explanation

Runoff is the process where excess water, often from rainfall or irrigation, carries nitrogen fertilizer from the golf course into local streams. This movement of water can lead to nutrient pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Front

What converts nitrogen into a useable form for plants and animals?

Back

bacteria

Answer explanation

Bacteria play a crucial role in converting nitrogen from the atmosphere into a usable form for plants and animals through processes like nitrogen fixation. This makes them essential for the nitrogen cycle.

Front

Which nutrient is not cycled through the atmosphere? Options: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, water

Back

phosphorous

Answer explanation

Phosphorous is not cycled through the atmosphere like carbon, nitrogen, and water. Instead, it primarily cycles through soil, water, and living organisms, making it unique among these nutrients.

Front

What is released by the weathering of rocks?

Back

Phosphorus

Answer explanation

Phosphorus is released through the weathering of rocks, particularly from minerals like apatite. This process contributes to the phosphorus cycle, essential for plant growth and ecosystem health.