Unit 5 | Environmental Science Review

How are the molecules shown in the model used in the process of photosynthesis?

• Carbon dioxide is taken in by the plant and oxygen is released.

• Water and oxygen are used to produce glucose and carbon dioxide.

• Oxygen and carbon dioxide are used to produce glucose and water.

• Glucose is taken in by the plant and water is released.

Answer explanation

The molecules shown in the model are used in photosynthesis by the plant taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

If excess nutrients enter an aquatic ecosystem, it can cause the algae to form a thick bloom on the surface of the water. How does the bloom affect the amount of oxygen in the water?

• It increases the amount of oxygen because fish perform more respiration.

• It increases the amount of oxygen because plants receive more nutrients.

• It decreases the amount of oxygen because plants are unable to perform photosynthesis.

• 
  It decreases the amount of oxygen because fish release more carbon dioxide.

Answer explanation

It decreases the amount of oxygen because plants are unable to perform photosynthesis.

In the carbon cycle, all animals must consume other organisms because

• they can not absorb enough carbon from water.

• they cannot absorb carbon directly from the air.

• they are in competition with plants for available carbon.

• 
  they require carbon to perform photosynthesis.

Answer explanation

In the carbon cycle, animals cannot absorb carbon directly from the air, so they must consume other organisms to obtain the carbon they need.

How is phosphorus transferred between animals and soil? (How does it get into the soil?)

• When heavy winds blow, it is eroded off of living things.

• When animals move, it is released into the soil.

• Consumers exhale it as a gas that is fixed by bacteria in the soil.

• Decomposers break it down from wastes and dead animals.

Answer explanation

Decomposers break it down from wastes and dead animals.

Urban areas contain many human-created structures such as houses and buildings. Urban areas are many degrees warmer than surrounding areas as the materials used for urban development often absorb and retain heat energy. These increases in temperature can negatively affect communities by increasing pollution and increasing cooling costs for residents. What should be included in the design to BEST help reduce the temperatures?

• planting trees and creating green spaces

• using black shingles on roofs of buildings

• running air conditioners for longer periods

• increasing the use of asphalt pavement

Answer explanation

planting trees and creating green spaces are the best options to help reduce temperatures in urban areas by providing shade and cooling effects.

What do we call the variety of life in an ecosystem?

• Producer

• Biology

• Biodiversity

• Keystone Species

Answer explanation

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem, making it the correct choice for this question.

How would the nitrogen cycle be disrupted if humans removed nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the soil?

• Neither plants nor animals would receive nitrogen, so both would suffer poor health and die.

• Only plants would not receive nitrogen, so they would suffer poor health and die.

• Plants would receive too much nitrogen, suffer poor health, and die.

• Animals would receive too much nitrogen, suffer poor health, and die.

Answer explanation

If humans removed nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the soil, neither plants nor animals would receive nitrogen, leading to poor health and death for both.

The nitrogen cycle follows roughly the same pattern in underwater environments as in terrestrial environments. How would the nitrogen cycle be disrupted if humans dumped extremely high amounts of animal waste into freshwater lakes?

• The amount of nitrates (NO₃^-) in the water would decrease, causing fish to die off.

• The amount of nitrates (NO₃^-) in the water would increase, causing algal blooms to form.

• The amount of nitrates (NO₃^-) in the water would decrease, then increase, causing bacteria to dissolve.

• 
  The amount of nitrates (NO₃^-) in the water would remain constant, causing the amount of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) to increase.

Answer explanation

The amount of nitrates (NO3-) in the water would increase, causing algal blooms to form.

Match the following

• Scavenger

• 
• Carnivore

• 
• Omnivore

• 
• Producer

• 
• Herbivore

• 

_____ brings phosphorous into our waterways. .

• precipitation

• runoff

• transpiration

• condensation

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'runoff' as it brings phosphorous into our waterways.