Earth's Cycles
What Earth system includes all of Earth's water?
Hydrosphere
What states of matter can precipitation fall as?
Liquid or solid
What can change nitrogen into nitrogen compounds?
Some bacteria and lightning
What is a stress that does not have a definite beginning or ending?
Drought
What is the job of an aquatic ecologist?
To study plants and animals that live in or near water.
What gas makes up most of Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen
What three things do plants need for photosynthesis?
Water, carbon dioxide, and the sun's energy
Why are decomposers part of the nitrogen cycle?
They return nitrogen compounds to the soil for plants.
What are two man-made stresses that can harm ecosystems?
Habitat destruction and overfishing
Which organism is considered threatened: Asian elephant, banded sunfish, or Chile sandalwood tree?
Banded sunfish
What is the process called when water vapor is released from plant leaves through the stomata?
Transpiration
During cellular respiration, what do cells use oxygen for?
To break down sugar into usable energy
What do decomposers release into the atmosphere when they break down materials?
Carbon dioxide gas
What is one way a drought and a flood are different?
A drought is more likely to cause fires than a flood.
Why do people build fish ladders at dams?
To reduce habitat destruction.
What are two processes of the water cycle that change water from a liquid to a gas?
Evaporation and transpiration
What is one difference between cellular respiration and photosynthesis?
Cellular respiration adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, while photosynthesis removes it.
How are nitrogen compounds returned to the soil?
Decomposers break down waste and dead things.
What is one benefit of the stress of a fire?
Nutrients are recycled into the soil.
What is a biblical approach to using natural resources?
Be a good steward by finding the right balance so resources can be used without being wasted.
How does God use cycles to maintain His earth?
Earth has regular cycles of change.
How does the water cycle help the carbon and oxygen cycles?
Water is needed for photosynthesis.
How do animals get proteins, nitrogen, and carbon?
By eating plants and other animals.
What are two ways natural stresses can benefit the earth?
They can put an ecosystem back in balance and recycle nutrients into the soil.
What responsibility did God give people concerning ecosystems?
To manage and take care of ecosystems wisely, glorifying God.