Environmental Systems Final

Front

What is the primary function of a biologist?

Back

To study life and living organisms.

Front

What is the role of animals in the carbon cycle?

Back

They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through respiration.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The process of water evaporating from the Earth's surface and condensing in the atmosphere, then falling back to the surface as precipitation.

Front

What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle?

Back

Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Front

What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria convert nitrogen into nitrous oxide.

Front

Define the carbon cycle.

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Front

What is respiration in living organisms?

Back

Respiration is the process of breaking down glucose to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia or related compounds in soil.

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.