Q2 Exam Study Guide Version 01

The Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is a complex process involving the exchange of carbon between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. Several key processes drive this cycle:

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are reactants of photosynthesis?

• CO₂ and H₂O

• O₂

• H₂O and Glucose

• None of the above

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT another word for the energy a plant takes in to make photosynthesis happen?

• Sunlight

• Radiant Energy

• Light Energy

• Thermal Energy

Multiple Choice

What is the pigment in chloroplasts that performs photosynthesis?

• Chlorosynthesis
• Chlorophyll
• ADP
• Electron Transport

Both plants and animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration.  

Cellular respiration breaks down organic molecules to release energy, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

Respiration:

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to produce glucose through photosynthesis.  

This process converts inorganic carbon into organic carbon, storing it in plant tissues.

​Photosynthesis:

The Carbon Cycle

The Carbon Cycle (Continued)

The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases it back.  

This exchange helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Ocean-Atmosphere Exchange:

When organisms die, their organic matter decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  

Some carbon may also be stored in soil organic matter.

​Decomposition:

The Carbon Cycle (Continued)

Human activities, such as deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and industrial processes, have significantly altered the carbon cycle. These activities release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to an imbalance and contributing to climate change.  

Understanding these processes is crucial for addressing climate change and developing strategies to mitigate its impacts.

Human Activities and the Carbon Cycle:

Over millions of years, carbon can be stored in rocks and fossil fuels.  

Volcanic eruptions and the burning of fossil fuels release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

 

​Geological Processes:

Multiple Choice

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• Produce energy

• Break down dead material

• Capture sunlight

• Absorb water

Explanation Slide...

Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead material, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and supporting plant growth. This process is essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Multiple Choice

In the carbon cycle, what is the main source of carbon emissions from human activities?

• Photosynthesis

• Industrial emissions

• Respiration

• Decomposition

Explanation Slide...

The main source of carbon emissions from human activities is industrial emissions, which result from manufacturing processes and energy production, significantly contributing to the carbon cycle.

Multiple Choice

What role do root nodules play in the nitrogen cycle?

• They release nitrogen into the atmosphere

• They store carbon

• They house nitrogen-fixing bacteria

• They decompose organic matter.

Explanation Slide...

Root nodules are specialized structures on the roots of certain plants, particularly legumes, that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, playing a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle.

Multiple Choice

What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

• They release nitrogen into the atmosphere

• They fix nitrogen in the soil

• They decompose organic matter

• They store carbon.

Explanation Slide...

Legumes play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by fixing nitrogen in the soil through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This process enriches the soil, making nitrogen available for plant use.

Multiple Choice

Fill in the blank: _______ is constantly moving through the atmosphere and earth in the water cycle.

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

• Water

• Oxygen

Explanation Slide...

Water is the essential component of the water cycle, constantly moving through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Unlike nitrogen, carbon, or oxygen, water uniquely circulates through the atmosphere and earth.

Multiple Choice

In this food web, what trophic level is the owl?

• Producer

• Primary Consumer

• Secondary Consumer

• Tertiary Consumer

Explanation Slide...

The owl is a predator that feeds on secondary consumers like rodents. Therefore, it occupies the trophic level above secondary consumers, making it a tertiary consumer in the food web.

Multiple Choice

All energy on Earth ultimately comes from what source?

• Water

• Sun

• Consumers

• Oxygen

Explanation Slide...

All energy on Earth ultimately comes from the Sun, which provides the necessary light and heat for photosynthesis and other processes that sustain life. Other options like water, consumers, and oxygen are not primary energy sources.

Labelling

Examine the diagram to the right. On your answer sheet, place the appropriate stage next to each letter based on this picture. Use the wordbank provided on your answer sheet.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Condensation

Runoff

Precipitation

Evaporation

Transpiration

Infiltration

Labelling

Label the Water Cycle.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

evaporation

transpiration

collection

precipitation

assimilation

Multiple Choice

Which involves the movement of water from the biosphere to the atmosphere?

• Evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, and streams into the atmosphere

• Precipitation from clouds in the atmosphere onto the Earth.

• Surface runoff of water from the Earth into groundwater.

• Transpiration of water from plants into the atmosphere.

Explanation Slide...

Transpiration involves the movement of water from plants into the atmosphere, contributing to the water cycle. This process is distinct from evaporation, precipitation, and runoff, which do not specifically involve plants.

Multiple Choice

How does energy flow in an ecosystem?

• From the sun to autotrophs to heterotrophs

• From chemical compounds to consumers to producers

• From consumers to producers

• From the owl to the gecko to the grasshopper

Explanation Slide...

Energy flows in an ecosystem starting from the sun, which is captured by autotrophs (producers) through photosynthesis. Heterotrophs (consumers) then obtain energy by consuming autotrophs, making the correct flow: from the sun to autotrophs to heterotrophs.

Multiple Choice

What is a trophic level?

• The total number of organisms in an ecosystem

• The top predator in a food chain

• The amount of energy lost between levels

• A step in the transfer of energy and matter in a food chain

Explanation Slide...

A trophic level refers to a step in the transfer of energy and matter in a food chain, indicating the position of an organism in the sequence of energy flow, from producers to various levels of consumers.

Multiple Choice

What process do bacteria in volcano vents use to make carbohydrates?

• Photosynthesis

• Chemosynthesis

• Fermentation

• Respiration

Explanation Slide...

Bacteria in volcanic vents use chemosynthesis to convert inorganic compounds into carbohydrates. Unlike photosynthesis, which relies on sunlight, chemosynthesis harnesses chemical energy from substances like hydrogen sulfide.

Multiple Choice

How is carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere?

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Erosion

• Volcanic activity

Explanation Slide...

Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere primarily through photosynthesis, where plants convert CO2 into oxygen and glucose using sunlight. This process is essential for maintaining atmospheric balance.

Multiple Choice

What percentage of air is nitrogen?

• 21%

• 10%

• 78%

• 50%

Explanation Slide...

The atmosphere is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, making it the most abundant gas. The other options, such as 21% (oxygen) and 10% or 50%, are incorrect.

Multiple Choice

Which organisms can change nitrogen into a form that plants can use?

• Birds

• Insects

• Bacteria

• Fungi

Explanation Slide...

Bacteria are the primary organisms that convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into forms like ammonia and nitrates, which plants can absorb and use for growth. Birds, insects, and fungi do not perform this essential nitrogen fixation.

Multiple Choice

What happens to nitrogen when organisms die?

• It returns to the soil

• It is absorbed by rocks

• It evaporates into the atmosphere

• It turns into carbon

Explanation Slide...

When organisms die, nitrogen from their bodies is decomposed by bacteria and returned to the soil, enriching it and making it available for plants. This process is essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a marine biome?

• Taiga

• Tundra

• Coral Reef

• Savanna

Explanation Slide...

The correct answer is Coral Reef, as it is a marine biome characterized by underwater ecosystems formed by coral. In contrast, Taiga, Tundra, and Savanna are terrestrial biomes.

Labelling

Label the nitrogen cycle.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

atmospheric Nitrogen

Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria

Root Nodules

Legume

atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Multiple Choice

What is a population in ecological terms?

• A group of different species living in the same area

• A group of organisms of different species living in different areas

• A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area

• A single organism living in an area

Explanation Slide...

In ecological terms, a population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area. This distinguishes it from other options that involve different species or individual organisms.

Multiple Choice

What is population density?

• The number of species in an area

• The number of individuals per unit area

• The number of organisms in a sample

• The number of predators in an area

Explanation Slide...

Population density refers to the number of individuals per unit area, making it a measure of how crowded a particular area is with individuals of a species. This distinguishes it from other options that focus on species or predators.

Multiple Choice

What is carrying capacity?

• The number of organisms that can migrate to an area

• The number of predators an area can support

• The number of organisms of one species that can be supported in an environment

• The maximum number of different species in an area

Explanation Slide...

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of organisms of one species that an environment can support sustainably, considering resources and space. This definition distinguishes it from other options related to migration or species diversity.

Multiple Choice

How do ecologists estimate the size of a large population?

• By observing their behavior

• By measuring the area they occupy

• By using a sampling method

• By counting every individual

Explanation Slide...

Ecologists estimate large population sizes using sampling methods, which involve counting individuals in a small area and extrapolating to the larger area. This is more practical than counting every individual.

Multiple Choice

What is biodiversity?

• The number of ecosystems in a country.

• The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

• The genetic similarity among species.

• The number of endangered species in a region.

Explanation Slide...

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in a specific habitat or the entire planet. It encompasses the different species, ecosystems, and genetic variations, making the correct choice the one that highlights this diversity.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary cause of biodiversity decline?

• Climate change

• Predator-prey relationships

• Human activity

• Natural disasters

Explanation Slide...

The primary cause of biodiversity decline is human activity, which includes habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation of resources. These actions significantly disrupt ecosystems and threaten various species.

Multiple Choice

What is an endangered species?

• A species with a stable population.

• A species whose population is increasing.

• A species that has gone extinct.

• A species whose population is declining or losing genetic diversity.

Explanation Slide...

An endangered species is one whose population is declining or losing genetic diversity, making it vulnerable to extinction. This distinguishes it from stable or increasing populations.

Multiple Choice

What is an invasive species?

• A species introduced to new habitats that lack natural predators.

• A native species that thrives in its environment.

• A species that is endangered.

• A species that is extinct.

Explanation Slide...

An invasive species is one that is introduced to new habitats where it has no natural predators, allowing it to thrive and potentially disrupt local ecosystems. This distinguishes it from native or endangered species.

Multiple Choice

What is the goal of sustainable development?

• To create more invasive species.

• To use resources without harming the ecosystem.

• To increase the number of endangered species.

• To eliminate all human activity in natural areas.

Explanation Slide...

The goal of sustainable development is to use resources without harming the ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can also meet their needs while maintaining ecological balance.

Multiple Choice

What does it mean when a population is experiencing rapid growth?

• The birth rate is equal to the death rate

• A large portion of the population is children

• The population is declining

• There are more adults than children

Explanation Slide...

Rapid population growth often indicates a high birth rate, typically due to a large portion of the population being children. This leads to more births than deaths, driving the overall growth.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a nonrenewable resource?

• Soil

• Water

• Trees

• Coal

Explanation Slide...

Coal is a nonrenewable resource because it forms over millions of years from decomposed organic matter and cannot be replenished on a human timescale, unlike soil, water, and trees, which are renewable resources.

Multiple Choice

Which one is a completely renewable resource?

• Oil

• Sunlight

• Coal

• Fresh water

Explanation Slide...

Sunlight is a completely renewable resource as it is constantly replenished by the sun. In contrast, oil, coal, and fresh water can be depleted and are not fully renewable in the same way.

Multiple Choice

A resource that can restore or renew itself (unless badly mismanaged) or can be used over and over is called a:

• Renewable resource

• Non-renewable resource

• Perpetual resource

• Indestructible resource

Explanation Slide...

A renewable resource is one that can restore or renew itself naturally, allowing it to be used repeatedly without depletion, unlike non-renewable resources which are finite. Thus, the correct answer is renewable resource.

Labelling

Identify the components involved in the carbon cycle above ground.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Animal Respiration

Trees

Burning Fossil Fuel/Emissions

Plant Respiration

Sun

Dead Organisms

Fossils and Fossil Fuels

Multiple Choice

Carbon is used in the process called __________ by plants and algae to make food and the building blocks for growth.

• carbon cycle

• life

• photosynthesis

• decomposition

Explanation Slide...

Carbon is essential in the process of photosynthesis, where plants and algae convert sunlight into food and growth materials. This process uses carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making 'photosynthesis' the correct answer.

Multiple Select

How does carbon get from animals and back into the atmosphere? (CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY)

• Respiration (breathing)

• After they die, they are broken down by decomposers

• Photosynthesis

• None of these

Explanation Slide...

Carbon returns to the atmosphere through respiration when animals breathe out CO2. After death, decomposers break down the organic matter, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere, making both options correct.

Multiple Choice

When water is heated in the ocean by the sun and turns into water vapor

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Transpiration

Explanation Slide...

When water is heated by the sun in the ocean, it changes from liquid to gas, which is called evaporation. This process is essential for the water cycle, distinguishing it from condensation and transpiration.

Multiple Choice

When plants give off drops of water it is called

• Transpiration

• Evaporation

• Condensation

Explanation Slide...

When plants release water vapor through their leaves, this process is known as transpiration. It is distinct from evaporation, which involves water turning into vapor from any surface, and condensation, which is the opposite process.

Multiple Choice

After condensation, the droplets of water in the clouds fall to Earth in different forms...

• precipitation

• condensation

• evaporation

Explanation Slide...

After condensation, water droplets in clouds fall to Earth as precipitation, which includes rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This term specifically refers to the various forms of water that fall from the atmosphere.

Multiple Choice

What is transpiration?

• Excess water being released from the leave

• Excess sugar being released from the leave

• The way a plant makes its food

• When the plant uses sugar for energy

Explanation Slide...

Transpiration is the process where excess water is released from the leaves of a plant. This helps in nutrient transport and temperature regulation, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Multiple Choice

How do MOST invasive species get to new areas where they don't naturally belong?

• humans take them accidentally or on purpose

• they ride on the back of sea turtles from one country to another

• they get blown by the wind to a new location

• they buy a bus ticket and travel there themselves

Multiple Choice

If a new, NON-NATIVE species that eats rabbits was introduced into this food chain, what would probably happen?

• the population of rabbits would increase

• the population of eagles would increase

• the population of eagles would decrease

• there would be less sunlight

Explanation Slide...

If a new animal started eating the rabbits, there would be less rabbits. Also, the eagle eats rabbits, too, so there would less food for the eagle, and there would be less eagles, too.

Multiple Choice

Why is biodiversity so important?

• Because all species depend on each other to survive, so if one becomes extinct another species that relies on it could go extinct as well
• Because it’s better to have only one variation of each species.
• Because it better to only have a few species on Earth.
• Honestly, I have no idea what biodiversity is!