APES Unit 1 Review - The Living World

Front

What are the main reservoirs of carbon and nitrogen on Earth?

Back

The main reservoirs of carbon include the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial ecosystems, while nitrogen is primarily found in the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.

Front

What is the term for the total rate of photosynthesis in a given area?

Back

Gross primary productivity (GPP)

Front

What process occurs when plant roots absorb ammonium ions and nitrate ions for use in making molecules such as DNA, amino acids, and proteins?

Back

Assimilation

Front

What type of diagram represents the feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem?

Back

Food web

Front

What process in the nitrogen cycle converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants?

Back

Nitrogen fixation

Front

What is the difference between gross primary productivity and net primary productivity?

Back

Gross primary productivity (GPP) is the total amount of organic matter produced by photosynthesis, while net primary productivity (NPP) is the amount of organic matter remaining after accounting for respiration by producers.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the soil in the form of ammonium, which can then be used by plants.

Front

What is the significance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available for plant uptake.

Front

How does human activity impact the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Human activities, such as the use of fertilizers and fossil fuel combustion, can lead to increased nitrogen levels in ecosystems, causing issues like eutrophication.

Front

What is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere?

Back

Transpiration