Biogeochemical Cycles Reading Quiz

What are biogeochemical cycles?

• Pathways for elements to move between living and non-living environments

• Processes that only involve living organisms

• Cycles that occur only in the atmosphere

• Movements of water only

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Understanding

Which cycle involves the weathering of rocks to release its element?

• Carbon cycle

• Nitrogen cycle

• Phosphorus cycle

• Water cycle

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What is the primary role of microorganisms in the nitrogen cycle?

• To absorb carbon dioxide

• To convert nitrogen gas into usable forms

• To release phosphorus from rocks

• To evaporate water

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The movement of water through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation is known as the ___ cycle.

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Which cycle does not have a significant atmospheric component?

• Carbon cycle

• Nitrogen cycle

• Phosphorus cycle

• Water cycle

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Which of the following human activities has the LEAST impact on the phosphorus cycle?

• Releasing phosphorus from rocks

• Using fertilizers in agriculture

• Burning fossil fuels

• Deforestation

Which of the following statements best describes the role of plants in the carbon cycle?

• Plants store carbon in fossil fuels.

• Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.

• Plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during respiration.

• Plants decompose and release carbon into the soil.

What is the role of nitrogen fixation in the nitrogen cycle, as described in the passage?

• Conversion of nitrogen gas into usable forms by microorganisms.

• Storage of nitrogen in rocks and fossil fuels.

• Release of nitrogen back into the atmosphere through decomposition.

• Absorption of nitrogen directly from the atmosphere by plants.

Based on the text, what is the primary way that phosphorus is released from rocks into the environment?

• Denitrification

• Weathering

• Photosynthesis

• Evaporation