Biogeochemical Cycles Quiz

What does the mnemonic SHNOPS stand for in the context of essential nutrients?

• Calcium, Helium, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur

• Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur

• Silicon, Helium, Neon, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur

• Sodium, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur

Which process in the water cycle involves water vapor turning into liquid water?

• Precipitation

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Transpiration

Which cycle involves the conversion of water from liquid to gas through plant leaves?

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Transpiration

• Precipitation

How do plants primarily obtain carbon?

• Through photosynthesis

• By consuming other plants

• By absorbing it from the soil

• Through their roots

What happens to carbon during cellular respiration?

• It is absorbed by the soil

• It is converted into fossil fuels

• It is stored in rocks

• It is released as carbon dioxide

What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

• They convert nitrogen gas into ammonia

• They release nitrogen gas into the atmosphere

• They store nitrogen in rocks

• They consume nitrogen from plants

What is eutrophication?

• A type of rock formation

• A way to store sulfur in the atmosphere

• A method of nitrogen fixation

• A process where water bodies become nutrient-rich

Why is phosphorus considered a limiting nutrient?

• It is abundant in the atmosphere

• It is rarely found in water

• It is essential but not readily available

• It is not needed by living organisms

How does phosphorus typically return to the environment after being used by organisms?

• Through excretion and decay

• Through volcanic eruptions

• Through photosynthesis

• Through atmospheric deposition

Which cycle does not involve the atmosphere?

• Water cycle

• Carbon cycle

• Sulfur cycle

• Phosphorus cycle