Quiz - Nutrient Cycling in the Oceans

In this diagram of the carbon cycle, the B line represents (a)   .

• photosynthesis

• upwelling

• decomposition

• respiration

Answer explanation

The B line in the carbon cycle diagram represents photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose and oxygen, playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The ocean's biological pump results in most carbon in the ocean being sent to this location for long term storage:

• surface waters

• the food web

• the seafloor

Answer explanation

The ocean's biological pump transports carbon from the surface to the seafloor, where it is stored for long periods. This process ensures that most carbon in the ocean is ultimately sequestered in the seafloor, making it the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The line that represents movement of carbon up the food chain is (a)   .

• line C

• line F

• line B

• line D

Answer explanation

Line D represents the movement of carbon up the food chain, illustrating how carbon is transferred from producers to consumers. This is essential for understanding ecological relationships and energy flow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Match the following locations with where calcium carbonate can be found in the ocean.

• as ions in ocean water

• in coral skeletons

• in the structure of marine invertebrates

• in fossil fuels

• in the genetic material of marine life

• in the DNA of organisms

• in the remains of ancient plants and animals

• dissolved in the water column

____________ delivers nutrients to the deep sea, and ____________ delivers some back to the surface waters.

• Decomposition, chemosynthesis

• Marine snow, upwelling

• Downwelling, harvesting

Answer explanation

Marine snow refers to organic matter that falls from the upper layers of the ocean to the deep sea, providing nutrients. Upwelling is the process that brings nutrient-rich water back to the surface, completing the cycle.

Which of the following process does NOT replenish nutrients to surface waters?

• animal excretion

• runoff

• upwelling

• harvesting

Answer explanation

Harvesting removes organisms from the ecosystem, which depletes nutrients rather than replenishing them. In contrast, animal excretion, runoff, and upwelling all contribute to nutrient replenishment in surface waters.

Which of the following does NOT deplete nutrients from surface water?

• harvesting

• uptake by phytoplankton

• marine snow

• volcanic ash

Answer explanation

Volcanic ash does not deplete nutrients from surface water; instead, it can introduce minerals. In contrast, harvesting, uptake by phytoplankton, and marine snow all involve the removal of nutrients from the water.

Match the following nutrients with their role in DNA synthesis.

• Essential for bone health and enzyme function

• nitrogen and phosphorus

• Key components of nucleotides and DNA backbone

• carbon

• Backbone of DNA structure

• calcium and magnesium

Which nutrients get passed up the food chain?

• carbon

• nitrogen

• phosphorus

• all of the above

Answer explanation

All of the listed nutrients—carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus—are essential for life and are cycled through ecosystems, moving up the food chain as organisms consume one another, making 'all of the above' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which photo shows calcium carbonate?

• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3