Cycling of Matter Quiz

How does the decomposition of a fallen tree contribute to the health of a forest?

• The smell of decayed matter repels insects and small animals

• Decayed organic matter provides nutrients to other organisms

• A large, fallen tree can shelter green plants from the sunlight

• A fallen tree prevents the weathering of rock from occurring

Which of the following materials in a compost bin will be recycled into soil-enriching nutrients?

• Aluminum Cans

• Plastic Bottles

• Old Newspapers

• Iron Nails

The soil in environments that have plenty of trees usually contains many nutrients and supports the growth of a variety of plants. Why is the soil in these environments so nutrient rich?

• There is a lot organic matter in the soil from the decomposition of falling leaves

• There is more rainfall in environments in which many more trees grow

• The increased amount of carbon dioxode in the atmosphere enriches the soil

• Minerals are added to the soil as the roots of the trees grow bigger and deeper

A herbivore gets nutrients from its habitat by ---

• absorbing them directly from the soil

• eating plants that get them from the soil

• being decomposed by bacteria in the soil

• consuming small insects found in the soil

Some students modeled decomposition using carrots. What question are students most likely testing with this investigation?

• What effect does temperature have on decomposition?

• How do carrots change when placed in a baggie of soil?

• How does darkness affect the growth of the carrot plants?

• What type of bacteria causes the most decomposition?

Nitrogen in the soil is changed into a useable form by ---

• plants

• animals

• bacteria

• producers

Plants use nitrogen for ---

• decomposition

• photosynthesis

• producing glucose

• growth and productivity

Organic matter decays slowly when placed in a compost bin. What is the best evidence that this process releases energy?

• The temperature of the matter in the bin increases

• Nitrogen molecules are released into the atmosphere

• Circulating air causes the biomass to decay more quickly.

• Material produced by composting can be used as fertilizer.

As the material in the compost bin decomposes, the organic matter —

• remains unchanged in form and composition.

• will always degrade into toxic material

• is broken down into useful compounds.

• eventually is completely destroyed.

Answer explanation

In a compost bin, what process leads to the cycling of organic matter?

• Photosynthesis

• Condensation

• Transpiration

• Decomposition