Biogeochemical Cycles - Quiz

1. Which role does photosynthesis play in the carbon cycle?

• It absorbs carbon from the soil
• It releases carbon into the soil
• It removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• It adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

2. Which word describes the burning of fossil fuels?

• Consumption
• Combustion
• Conduction
• Conservation

3. Carbon has an important role in all living organisms on Earth. Which statement best describes this role?

• It makes up 70% of our cells
• It is a unique component of DNA and RNA
• It forms the backbone of the major macromolecules / biological molecules
• It controls the cell's activities

4. Carbon dioxide can be removed from the Earth's atmosphere. Which of these describes one way in which it is removed?

• Carbon dioxide can dissolve into seawater
• Carbon dioxide can be evaporated by sunlight
• Carbon dioxide can be trapped in sedimentary rocks
• Carbon dioxide can be used by animals and plants for cellular respiration

6. Water can also move through the soil layer. What is the name of this process? Give your answer as a single word with no period at the end.

7. When the soil layer is saturated, water can no longer be absorbed by it and move through it. Instead, it moves along the surface of the ground. We call water that moves here "surface ___________". What is the missing word? Give your answer as a single word with no period at the end.

8. Label A is a process that is done by bacteria. These can either be in the root nodules of leguminous plants or in the soil. During this process, nitrogen from the atmosphere is converted into ammonium ions. What is the name of this process?

• Assimilation
• Ammonification
• Nitrogen fixation
• Denitrification

9. Label B is for a group of organisms that help to recycle nitrogen compounds from dead organisms. What is the name for this group of organisms? Give your answer as a single word with no period at the end.

10. Label C is a name for the useful form of nitrogen that plants can take up and use. What is the name of this? Give your answer as a single word with no period at the end.

11. Nitrogen is a building block for which of these molecules? Select all that apply.

• Carbohydrates
• Nucleic acids
• Proteins
• Fats