The Water Cycle and Nutrient Cycles Quiz

Which term best describes step 1 above.

• Runoff

• Transpiration

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

The term that best describes step 1 above is 'Condensation' as it involves the process of water vapor turning into liquid water droplets.

Which term best describes step 2?

• Runoff

• Transpiration

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

Step 2 in the water cycle involves the process of precipitation, where water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into clouds and falls back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Which term best describes step 3?

• Runoff

• Transpiration

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

Step 3 is best described as transpiration, which is the process where plants release water vapor through their leaves. This distinguishes it from the other options provided.

Which term best describes step 4?

• Runoff

• Transpiration

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

Step 4 is best described as evaporation, where liquid water changes into water vapor due to heat energy.

Which term best describes step 5?

• Runoff

• Transpiration

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

Answer explanation

Step 5 is best described as Runoff, which is the movement of water over the Earth's surface and into bodies of water like rivers and lakes.

Bacteria living in soil that put nitrogen back into the air play which role in the nitrogen cycle?

• Transpiration

• Nitrogen fixation

• Denitrification

Answer explanation

Bacteria living in soil that put nitrogen back into the air play the role of denitrification in the nitrogen cycle.

In which cycle does the nutrient NEVER a gas?

• Nitrogen

• Phosphorous

• Water

• Carbon

Answer explanation

In the cycle of Phosphorous, the nutrient NEVER exists as a gas, making it the correct choice.

During the Nitrogen Cycle, the nitrogen is changed from an inactive form in the atmosphere to an active state in the soil. What role do the bacteria play in the cycle to help with this problem?

• Carbon fixation

• Phosphoric fixation

• Nitrogen fixation

• Petrification

Answer explanation

Bacteria play a role in the Nitrogen Cycle by performing Nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants in the soil.

Water that comes from the living things in an ecosystem that goes from a liquid form into a gas is known as:

• Precipitation

• Condensation

• Transpiration

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

Water that comes from living things in an ecosystem and changes from liquid to gas is known as transpiration, making it the correct choice.

Which statement correctly explains how nutrients move through an ecosystem?

• Nutrients flow in only one direction and are not cycled.

• Nutrients are cycled

• Nutrients are created when low

• Nutrients are destroyed when there are too many

Answer explanation

Nutrients in an ecosystem are cycled, moving through various organisms and components before being recycled back into the environment.