Semester Exam Environmental Sys

Front

What does the term 'hypoxic' refer to?

Back

An absence of oxygen.

Front

How can you distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources?

Back

Renewable resources can be replaced naturally, while nonrenewable resources cannot.

Front

What process occurs when dead plant and animal matter decomposes and nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere?

Back

Denitrification.

Front

What type of feedback loop moves a system to an extreme?

Back

Positive feedback loop.

Front

Which layer of the Earth do we live on?

Back

Crust.

Front

Define renewable resources.

Back

Resources that can be replaced naturally over time.

Front

Define nonrenewable resources.

Back

Resources that cannot be replaced once they are used up.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.

Front

What is the significance of the ozone layer?

Back

The ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.