Ecology Cycles Webquest

Why is carbon significant?

• Because it is a greenhouse gas.

• Because all living things are made of carbon.

• Because it is the most abundant element on Earth.

• Because it can only be found in the atmosphere.

How do plants use carbon dioxide?

• They release it during cellular respiration.

• They use it to create oxygen.

• They use carbon dioxide and sunlight to make food through photosynthesis.

• They absorb it to strengthen their stems.

What has been the effect of burning fossil fuels on the atmosphere?

• It has decreased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• It has had no significant effect on the atmosphere.

• It has led to an increase in greenhouse gases which has made the earth warmer overall.

• It has increased the oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

How do plants and animals contribute to the water cycle?

• They absorb water from the atmosphere.

• They release water into the atmosphere when they breathe.

• They convert water into carbon dioxide.

• They store water in their tissues without releasing it.

What is transpiration in the context of the water cycle?

• The process of water moving through the food chain.

• The evaporation of water from the surface of the ocean.

• The evaporation of water from plants through the stomata.

• The infiltration of water into the soil.

Where can nitrogen be found?

• Only in the atmosphere as nitrogen gas.

• In protein, DNA and RNA, and chlorophyll.

• Solely within the bodies of animals.

• Exclusively in the soil.

What role do nitrogen-fixing bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

• They convert nitrogen gas into noble gases.

• They release nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere.

• They convert nitrogen gas into organic compounds that living organisms can take up.

• They consume nitrogen from the soil, depleting it.

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

• They convert nitrates into nitrogen gas.

• They convert the ammonia in dead animals into ammonium.

• They produce ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen.

• They absorb nitrogen gas directly from the atmosphere.

Why is phosphorus a concern in surface waters?

• It decreases the oxygen level in the water.

• It is not essential for plant growth.

• Excess phosphorus leads to eutrophication/dead zones.

• It helps in the purification of water.

How does phosphorus reach surface waters?

• Through evaporation and condensation.

• Through absorption by aquatic plants.

• Through rain and runoff.

• Through the consumption by fish and wildlife.