Practice Midyear Exam

Front

What are the primary sources of dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Agricultural and urban fertilizer runoff as well as increased urban wastewater discharges.

Front

In ecosystems, energy is eventually lost to the environment via what process?

Back

Heat from metabolism.

Front

What is considered an input to the Chesapeake Bay within its watershed?

Back

Fresh water, sediment, nutrients, and pollution.

Front

What does 'flux' refer to in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Rate of movement between reservoirs.

Front

What does the first law of thermodynamics state?

Back

Energy cannot be created or lost.

Front

What does the second law of thermodynamics state regarding energy quality?

Back

Entropy increases as energy degrades from high to low quality.

Front

What is the relationship between energy consumption and heat release in organisms?

Back

Organisms consume energy and release heat as a byproduct.

Front

What is the significance of nutrient runoff in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

It can lead to increased nutrient levels, causing algal blooms and affecting water quality.

Front

How do photosynthesis and metabolism relate to energy flow in ecosystems?

Back

Photosynthesis captures energy, while metabolism releases energy as heat.

Front

What is the role of sediment in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Sediment can carry nutrients and pollutants into water bodies.