Biosphere L3-L5 Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 4 properties of water?
A
- Universal solvent
- Relativley high boiling point and melting point
- Adhesive and cohesive properties
- High heat capacity
2
Q
Earth is a closed system with respect to what?
A
Matter
3
Q
What are the 4 reservoirs that nutrients move through?
A
- living organisms and recently dead
- atmosphere, soil and water
- fossilized remains
- minerals in rocks
4
Q
How can excess nutrients cause issues?
A
Can lead to low levels of oxygen dissolved in water (severe algal growth blocks light that is needed for plants)
5
Q
What are the factors in productivity?
A
- Number of producers
- Heat/light
- Rainfall
- Nutrients/light
6
Q
What is productivity?
A
The rate at which an ecosystem’s producers capture and store energy over time
7
Q
What are some factors of slow cycling?
A
- Allows for efficient use and recycling of energy (no waste)
- Helps maintain overall balance of ecosystems
- involves the production of fossil fuels
8
Q
What are some factors of rapid cycling?
A
- Caused by human disturbances and activity
- Not as effective and disrupts the natural cycles
9
Q
What are the different processes of the nitrogen cycle?
A
- Nitrogen Fixation
- Nitrification
- Assimilation
- Ammonification
- Denitrification
10
Q
What does the phosphorus cycle do?
A
Keeps producers in balance (does not cycle through atmosphere)
11
Q
What are the 4 processes of the Carbon & Oxygen cycle?
A
- Photosynthesis
- cellular respiration
- Combustion
- Decomposition
12
Q
Why do plants need sulphur?
A
- Essential for the synthesis of amino acids and proteins
- Involved in the production of vitamins, enzymes, and coenzymes
- Plays a role in cellular signaling and maintaining cell membranes
