Biology chapter 4

Question 1

Process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb and use

Answer 1

Nitrogen fixation

Question 2

Process in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another

Answer 2

Biogeochemical cycle

Question 3

Chemical substance that an organism needs to sustain life

Answer 3

Nutrient

Question 4

Process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas

Answer 4

Denitrification

Question 5

A series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

Answer 5

Food chain

Question 6

Single essential nutrient that limits productivity in an ecosystem

Answer 6

Limiting nutrient

Question 7

Photosynthetic algae found near the surface of the ocean

Answer 7

Phytoplankton

Question 8

Network of complex interactions formed by the feeding relationships among the various organisms in an ecosystem

Answer 8

Food web

Question 9

Each step in a food chain or food web

Answer 9

Trophic level

Question 10

Illustration of the relative amounts of energy or matter contained within each trophic level in a given food chain or food web

Answer 10

Ecological pyramid

Question 11

Total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level

Answer 11

Biomass

Question 12

Organism that is able to capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food from inorganic compounds; also called a producer

Answer 12

Autotroph

Question 13

First producer of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms

Answer 13

Primary Producer

Question 14

Process used by plants and other autotrophs to capture light energy and use it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches

Answer 14

Photosynthesis

Question 15

Process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates

Answer 15

Chemosynthesis

Question 16

Organism that obtains food by consuming other living things; also called a consumer

Answer 16

Heterotroph

Question 17

Organism that relies on other organisms for its energy and food supply; also called a heterotroph

Answer 17

Consumer

Question 18

Material made up of decaying bits of plant and animal material

Answer 18

Detritus

Question 19

Define photosynthesis

Answer 19

A process that uses energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen

Question 20

Define chemosynthisis

Answer 20

A process that uses chemical energy to produce carbohydrates.

Question 21

List the types of consumers

Answer 21

Carnivores, Scavengers, Decomposers, Herbivores, Omnivores, Detrovores

Question 22

List the four biogeochemical cycles

Answer 22

Water cycle, Carbon cycle, Nitrogen cycle, Phosphorous cycle