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Biology > Nutrient Cycle > Flashcards

Nutrient Cycle Flashcards

1
Q

What is a nutrient cycle?

A

A nutrient cycle is the process through which nutrients are transferred between living organisms and the environment.

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2
Q

Name the main nutrient cycles studied in A-Level Biology.

A

The carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and water cycle.

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3
Q

True or False: Nutrient cycles are closed systems.

A

True

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4
Q

What role do decomposers play in nutrient cycles?

A

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

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5
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants is called __________.

A

nitrogen fixation

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6
Q

What organisms are primarily responsible for nitrogen fixation?

A

Certain bacteria, including Rhizobium and Azotobacter.

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7
Q

Explain the term ‘eutrophication’.

A

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies receive excess nutrients, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

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8
Q

What is the significance of the carbon cycle?

A

The carbon cycle regulates Earth’s climate and is essential for the process of photosynthesis.

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9
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a stage in the nitrogen cycle? A) Nitrogen fixation B) Ammonification C) Photosynthesis D) Nitrification

A

C) Photosynthesis

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10
Q

What is the primary source of phosphorus in ecosystems?

A

Phosphorus is primarily sourced from rocks and minerals through weathering.

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11
Q

True or False: Plants can directly absorb atmospheric nitrogen.

A

False

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12
Q

What is ammonification?

A

Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen from dead organisms into ammonia.

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13
Q

Fill in the blank: The process by which plants take up nitrates from the soil is known as __________.

A

assimilation

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14
Q

What is the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient cycles?

A

Mycorrhizal fungi enhance nutrient uptake for plants, particularly phosphorus.

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15
Q

Multiple Choice: Which gas is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect? A) Oxygen B) Carbon dioxide C) Nitrogen D) Hydrogen

A

B) Carbon dioxide

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16
Q

What is a biogeochemical cycle?

A

A biogeochemical cycle is the movement of elements and compounds through biological, geological, and chemical processes.

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17
Q

True or False: The water cycle includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

A

True

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18
Q

What is denitrification?

A

Denitrification is the process of converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the main process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.

A

Photosynthesis

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20
Q

What are the two main forms of nitrogen that plants can absorb?

A

Nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+).

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21
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a human activity that disrupts the nitrogen cycle? A) Deforestation B) Fertilizer application C) Urbanization D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above

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22
Q

What is leaching in the context of nutrient cycles?

A

Leaching is the process by which nutrients are washed out of the soil by water.

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23
Q

True or False: Phosphorus cycles are primarily atmospheric.

A

False

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24
Q

What is the effect of excess nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems?

A

It can lead to algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion, harming aquatic life.

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25
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the movement of water from the ground to the atmosphere.

A

Evapotranspiration

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26
Q

What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle?

A

Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen.

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27
Q

Multiple Choice: Which process converts nitrates into nitrogen gas? A) Ammonification B) Denitrification C) Nitrification D) Nitrogen fixation

A

B) Denitrification

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28
Q

What is the primary cause of nutrient cycling disruption?

A

Human activities such as agriculture, pollution, and urbanization.

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29
Q

True or False: The phosphorus cycle is faster than the nitrogen cycle.

A

False

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30
Q

What is the significance of the phosphorus cycle for living organisms?

A

Phosphorus is essential for DNA, RNA, and ATP, which are crucial for life.

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31
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which nitrogen is converted from its gaseous form to a solid form.

A

Nitrogen fixation

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32
Q

What are the two types of nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

A

Free-living bacteria and symbiotic bacteria.

33
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of deforestation on nutrient cycles? A) Increased soil erosion B) Decreased carbon storage C) Loss of biodiversity D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above

34
Q

What is the main component of the nitrogen cycle?

A

The conversion of nitrogen between different chemical forms.

35
Q

True or False: The carbon cycle is mainly a geological process.

A

False

36
Q

What is the function of nitrifying bacteria?

A

Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates.

37
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is a key factor in the water cycle that involves the change from liquid to gas.

A

Evaporation

38
Q

What role do animals play in the nutrient cycles?

A

Animals contribute to nutrient cycling through excretion and decomposition.

39
Q

Multiple Choice: Which nutrient cycle is most closely associated with fertilizers? A) Carbon B) Nitrogen C) Phosphorus D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above

40
Q

What happens during the process of sedimentation?

A

Particles settle out of the water column and accumulate at the bottom.

41
Q

True or False: Nutrient cycles can be negatively impacted by climate change.

A

True

42
Q

What is eutrophication primarily caused by?

A

Runoff of excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into water bodies.

43
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the movement of carbon through the biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere.

A

The carbon cycle

44
Q

What is the impact of increased carbon dioxide levels on global temperatures?

A

Increased carbon dioxide levels contribute to global warming.

45
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes is part of the water cycle? A) Precipitation B) Photosynthesis C) Respiration D) All of the above

A

A) Precipitation

46
Q

What is the primary product of photosynthesis?

A

Glucose

47
Q

True or False: Nitrogen is a limiting nutrient in many ecosystems.

A

True

48
Q

What is the term for the process of returning nutrients to the soil through decomposition?

A

Mineralization

49
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process where plants lose water to the atmosphere.

A

Transpiration

50
Q

What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

A

Legumes host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, facilitating nitrogen fixation.

51
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas? A) Methane B) Nitrous oxide C) Oxygen D) Carbon dioxide

A

C) Oxygen

52
Q

What is biological magnification?

A

Biological magnification is the increase in concentration of substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, in organisms at higher trophic levels.

53
Q

True or False: The nitrogen cycle is critical for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids.

A

True

54
Q

What is the significance of the sulfur cycle?

A

The sulfur cycle is important for protein synthesis and various metabolic processes.

55
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is a process in the carbon cycle where carbon is released back into the atmosphere by respiration.

A

Respiration

56
Q

What is the primary cause of climate change?

A

Increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

57
Q

Multiple Choice: Which cycle is primarily concerned with the availability of water? A) Nitrogen B) Carbon C) Water D) Phosphorus

A

C) Water

58
Q

What is the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle?

A

The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

59
Q

True or False: Organic matter is a significant reservoir of nitrogen.

A

True

60
Q

What is the primary function of phosphorus in living organisms?

A

Phosphorus is vital for energy transfer and storage in the form of ATP.

61
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the process of water vapor changing back into liquid water.

A

Condensation

62
Q

What is the role of soil in nutrient cycles?

A

Soil serves as a reservoir for nutrients and supports plant growth.

63
Q

Multiple Choice: Which nutrient cycle is least affected by human activity? A) Carbon B) Nitrogen C) Phosphorus D) Water

A

D) Water

64
Q

What is the process of respiration?

A

Respiration is the biochemical process where organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide.

65
Q

True or False: All organisms release carbon dioxide during respiration.

A

True

66
Q

What is the main consequence of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

A

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere due to reduced carbon storage.

67
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of water moving from the soil into the atmosphere.

A

Transpiration

68
Q

What role do autotrophs play in nutrient cycles?

A

Autotrophs convert inorganic substances into organic matter, forming the base of food webs.

69
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas? A) Nitrogen B) Oxygen C) Methane D) Helium

A

C) Methane

70
Q

What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle in agriculture?

A

The nitrogen cycle is crucial for soil fertility and crop production.

71
Q

True or False: The phosphorus cycle has a gaseous phase.

A

False

72
Q

What is sedimentation?

A

Sedimentation is the process where particles settle out of a fluid, accumulating at the bottom.

73
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which water vapor is released from plants.

A

Transpiration

74
Q

What are the effects of acid rain on nutrient cycles?

A

Acid rain can leach nutrients from the soil, harming plant growth.

75
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes occurs in the nitrogen cycle? A) Ammonification B) Photosynthesis C) Respiration D) All of the above

A

A) Ammonification

76
Q

What is the role of algae in aquatic nutrient cycles?

A

Algae contribute to primary production and oxygenation of water bodies.

77
Q

True or False: Nutrient cycles are completely independent from one another.

A

False

78
Q

What is the primary source of carbon in the carbon cycle?

A

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Biology (28 decks)

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