General Knowledge
Terminology
The Nitrogen Cycle
True or false
100

The element that is responsible for uncontrollable algae growth

What is phosphorus?

100

A phenomenon in which the surface of a body of water is completely covered in algae blooms.

What is Eutrophication?

100

What are the inputs of nitrogen into aquatic ecosystems?

Runoff, sewage/wastewater disposal, nitrogen fixation, atmospheric deposition
100

Rachael is a bum

True

200

How do these nutrients from fertilizers most often end up in aquatic ecosystems?

Surface runoff

200

Another name for algae

What is phytoplankton?

200

What are the uses of nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems?

Protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and plant growth

200

Nitrogen is the main contributor to eutrophication in freshwater ecosystems

False
300

Why does photosynthesis not occur in eutrophicated waters?

Algae blooms on the surface prevent sunlight from getting through to underwater plants.

300

Describes how easy the water is to see through

What is Turbidity?

300

How is nitrogen released back into the atmosphere?

As a gas

300
Smaller zooplankton are more effective at keeping phytoplankton populations in check

False

400

DOUBLE POINTS

Why can a lack of photosynthesis lead to an ecosystem collapse?

No photosynthesis -> producers die, dissolved oxygen levels deplete -> predatory fish decrease -> prey fish increase -> large zooplankton decrease -> phytoplankton thrive

400

Any aquatic plant large enough to be visible to the naked eye

What is a macrophyte?

400

Which form of nitrogen is unusable by aquatic organisms?

Gaseous nitrogen (N2)

400

Only ammonium and nitrate can be used for DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and plant growth

True, gaseous nitrogen cannot
500
What kind of cycle does eutrophication set off in aquatic ecosystems?

Positive feedback loop

500

Describing an environment where there is insufficient oxygen.

What is Hypoxic?

500

Which step of the nitrogen cycle can only occur in hypoxic conditions?

Denitrification

500

Denitrification can only occur in hypoxic conditions

True