Carbon
What is an essential component of proteins, fats and carbohydrates which make up all organisms?
carbon
True or false - increased levels of CO2 do not contribute to global warming.
false
What do all living organisms need to form bones and teeth in animals?
phosphorous
Define ecological succession
a gradual process of changes and replacement of the type of species in a community
Why is primary succession slower than secondary succession?
primary has no soil
A process by which carbon is cycled between the atmosphere, land, water and organisms
carbon cycle
What do all organisms need to build proteins which are used to build new cells?
nitrogen
Is the phosphorus cycle slow or fast? And does it occur in the atmosphere?
slow, no it does not occur in the atmosphere
How long can the process of ecological succession take?
hundreds or thousands of years
What are the first pioneer species to colonize bare rock?
bacteria and lichens
When consumers eat the plants and obtain carbon - short term cycle or long term cycle?
short term cycle
Where does nitrogen fixation occur?
through nitrogen fixing bacteria that live within nodules on the roots of plants
What do excess amounts of fertilizer cause?
rapid and over abundant growth of algae
Define primary succession
a type of succession that occurs on a surface where no ecosystem existed before and no soil is present
True or false - some species of trees can release their seeds only after they have been exposed to the intense heat of a fire.
true
Carbon is converted into carbonates which make up bones and shells which form limestone rocks over millions of years - short term cycle or long term cycle?
long term cycle
How is nitrogen distributed to all living organisms?
through the nitrogen cycle
When burning fuel, what is released into the atmosphere?
nitric oxide
Define secondary succession
occurs on a surface where an ecosystem has previously existed and soil is present
Would farmland that is abandoned be an example of primary or secondary succession?
secondary succession
Name two things that are a major source of CO2 being released into the air.
trucks and cars
What does nitrogen fixing bacteria act as and what is its role?
a decomposer and the role is to break down waste to return nitrogen to the cycle
How does nitric oxide contribute to acid precipitation?
found in rain and snow
The first organisms to colonize any newly available area and begin the process of ecological succession is known as_____________
pioneer species
How long would it take annual plants to grow in old field succession?
1-3 years of abandonment