Show:
General
Water
Carbon
Nitrogen
Phosphorous and Misc.
100
What is the other name for nutrient cycles?
Biogeochemical cycles
100

What is the process of rain or snowfall called? 

precipitation 

100
In what process do plants remove carbon dioxide from the air?
photosynthesis
100

Why must nitrogen be "fixed"?

the N2 gas in the air is not in a form that is usable by plants or animals

100

Phosphorous enters an ecosystem by 

Weathering of rocks and in soil

200
Why do we study biogeochemical cycles as part of ecology?
It studies the interactions between organisms and their environment
200

What is the process of turning a liquid into a gas? 

Evaporation

200

The process of burning fossil fuels, releasing carbon, is called? 

combustion / Emissions

200

How does nitrogen fixation occur?

nitrogen-fixing bacteria

200

Where does a trees MASS come from? (It's size and weight)

From the C02 it absorbs

300

What is one thing all of these cycles have in common?

Answers may vary

300

How does water vapor from the atmosphere form into clouds?

condensation

300
How do carbon molecules enter the soil?
decomposition
300

Why is nitrogen so important?

it is used to make amino acids, and ultimately proteins, allowing plants and animals to grow

300

How do plants obtain phosphorous?

absorb through roots (in water or soil)

400
What are the three parts of biogeochemical cycles (hint-look at the word)?
bio-life geo-earth chemicals
400

What two things can happen with water after precipitation has returned it to the ground?

Percolation/Infiltration and Surface Runoff 

400
In what process do animals return carbon to the atmosphere?
respiration
400

How do humans get the nitrogen that they need?

Consumption (Eating!)

400

How do animals get the phosphorus they need?

Eat plants and animals that eat plants

500

What are the 5 biogeochemical cycles we have learned about so far?

water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur

500

What is transpiration?

the evaporation of water from plants

500
How have humans drastically altered the carbon cycle?
burning fossil fuels which releases carbon dioxide
500

Bacteria can change Nitrogen into what?

Ammonium and Ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites 

500

What is one way Nitrogen can be fixed WITHOUT bacteria?

Lightening!