Carbon Cycle and Matter Conservation

Mr. Coats discusses biogeochemical cycles, emphasizing the law of conservation of matter. He explains how matter cycles through Earth's systems, focusing on the hydrologic and carbon cycles. The lecture highlights human impacts on these cycles, such as pollution and climate change, and the importance of understanding these processes for environmental sustainability.

What does the law of conservation of matter state?

• Matter can change forms but cannot be created or destroyed.

• Matter can be created and destroyed.

• Matter is always visible.

• Matter is only found on Earth.

What happens to the atoms of an apple when it decomposes?

• They disappear completely.

• They are reused in other forms.

• They remain in the apple.

• They are destroyed.

Which of the following is NOT an example of an exchange pool?

• Long-living trees

• Soil

• Fossil fuels

• Atmosphere

In the hydrologic cycle, what is the process called when water is absorbed by the ground?

• Evaporation

• Transpiration

• Infiltration

• Condensation

How do humans primarily disrupt the water cycle?

• By increasing precipitation

• By reducing evaporation

• By overusing and polluting water resources

• By stopping transpiration

What is the main form of carbon in the atmosphere?

• Carbon monoxide

• Carbon dioxide

• Glucose

• Methane

Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

• Decomposition

• Combustion

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

What is a long-term storage reservoir for carbon?

• Fossil fuels

• Oceans

• Atmosphere

• Plants

How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

• It increases carbon storage.

• It has no effect on the carbon cycle.

• It reduces the storage capability for carbon.

• It decreases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

What is one major human activity that increases atmospheric carbon dioxide?

• Photosynthesis

• Water conservation

• Planting trees

• Fossil fuel combustion