Cycles of Matter
What is sustainability?
The ability for the biosphere to maintain its balance indefinitely
Rapid population growth with an abundance of limiting factors can be represented by:
a. Logistic Growth
b. Exponential Growth
b. Exponential Growth
Without the restriction of limiting factor availability, population growth is exponential. Example: Bacteria in a Petri dish with an abundance of nutrients
Limiting factors contribute to a carrying capacity that results in most populations exhibiting logistic growth
Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
a. Methane
b. Carbon Dioxide
c. Oxygen
d. Ozone
c. Oxygen
Greenhouse gases are those which trap heat in the atmosphere - not every gas in the atmosphere is a greenhouse gas
How should we as Christians respond to the naturalist view that humans are the "dominant species" of the earth?
God created us as dominion holders, and has given us authority over the creatures of the earth. We are not simply a dominant species at the top of the food chain, we are set apart uniquely by the Lord.
What is population density?
What is the term for water exiting a plant through its leaves?
Transpiration
What is an example of a limiting factor in a dessert biome?
Water
Ecological footprint calculations are very precise
False
On average, how many species have gone extinct per year over the last 500 year?
a. 2
b. 20
c. 2000
a. 2!
In the last 500 years, 1000 species have gone extinct. This is starkly contrasted with the idea that thousands are going extinct per year.
Ammonia is part of which biogeochemical cycle?
The Nitrogen Cycle
Which living process is responsible for "fixing" carbon dioxide into carbohydrates?
Photosynthesis
This is also responsible for producing oxygen
What is a term for the species that are first to return to a barren landscape?
Pioneer Species
These arrive during primary succession
What is an ecological footprint?
A measure of how many resources people use, and how quickly the earth can replenish those resources
Also known as: the carrying capacity of the earth
What is an invasive species? Include an example
Organisms that move into a habitat where they are not native and then compete with native species for resources.
Example: Zebra Muscle
How can humans negatively impact biodiversity?
Habitat loss, overuse of resources, introduction of a species to a new area, overuse of chemicals such as fertilizer
Where can most of the world's carbon be found?
Trapped in the ocean or underground.
This is why volcanic eruptions can release so much carbon dioxide into the air.
a. Completely barren
b. Has soil
c. May have some grasses
d. (b) and (c)
d. (b) and (c)
Secondary succession takes place after soil has already been established, and a few pioneer species have made the way.
What is the world's main concern surrounding climate change?
Rising sea levels, increasing rainfall, melting of ice and snow
Bioremediation
True or False:
The more scientists study the earth's systems, the more chaotic they realize the systems are.
False! There is great order found in the systems that the Lord created. The more we learn, the more ordered things appear!
What are some mechanisms by which nitrogen can be "fixed"?
Ammonia gets broken down to form ammonium ions, nitrates, and nitrites
Bacteria in the roots of legumes (beans), bacteria in manure, lightning strikes!
What is the term for long-lived species that arrive towards the end of secondary succession?
Climax Species
Is it possible for climate change to drastically change God's design for the earth and for us?
No! God is sovereign over all the cycles and patterns of the world. There are many mechanisms that help with the absorption and recycling of greenhouse gases, and the world has always experienced dynamic changes.
How should we as Christians respond to endangered species?
It is important for us to exercise care and dominion over the animals of the world. We should conserve and protect them, but never elevate their needs above the needs of human beings who have been made in the image of God.
What is responsible for most greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
Respiration and other natural processes