Biogeochemical Cycle Multiple Choice

Water flowing over the land into rivers, lakes, and oceans is called:

• Infiltration

• Surface Runoff

• Condensation

• Percolation

The release of water vapor from plants through tiny holes in their leaves is called:

• Evaporation

• Respiration

• Transpiration

• Perspiration

Which process releases phosphate ions from rocks into the soil or water?

• Fossilization

• Weathering

• Sedimentation

• Uplift

What process breaks down dead organisms and waste, releasing carbon back into the environment?

• Combustion

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Respiration

The process of turning ammonium into nitrites and nitrates is called:

• Denitrification

• Nitrogen Fixation

• Nitrification

• Assimilation

Combustion increases which gas in the atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Methane

• Carbon Dioxide

When decomposers break down dead organisms during the phosphorus cycle, they recycle:

• Oxygen

• Carbon

• Phosphates

• Nitrates

Under specific conditions, dead organisms can turn into fossil fuels through:

• Nitrification

• Fossilization

• Sedimentation

• Weathering

During which process do animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere?

• Photosynthesis

• Cellular Respiration

• Decomposition

• Nitrogen Fixation

When the sun heats bodies of water, liquid water changes into gas through:

• Transpiration

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Precipitation