BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES PRACTICE TEST

Front

What is leaching in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Leaching is the process by which soluble substances are washed out from the soil into water bodies, often carrying nutrients like phosphorus.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, contributing to the water cycle.

Front

Define respiration in the context of carbon cycling.

Back

Respiration is the process by which animals and plants convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is an abiotic source?

Back

An abiotic source refers to non-living components of the environment, such as soil, water, and minerals, that provide nutrients to living organisms.

Front

How do fungi contribute to the phosphorus cycle?

Back

Fungi, like mushrooms, absorb phosphorus from the soil, transferring it from an abiotic source to a biotic source.

Front

What is decomposition?

Back

Decomposition is the process by which dead organic matter is broken down by decomposers, returning nutrients like phosphorus back to the soil.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

Explain the process of precipitation in the water cycle.

Back

Precipitation is the process where water vapor condenses and falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What is the significance of the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is crucial for regulating Earth's climate and supporting life by cycling carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.

Front

Describe the process of weathering in relation to phosphorus.

Back

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks that releases phosphorus into the soil and water, making it available for biological uptake.