Nutrient & Energy Cycling

Question 1

What is the 1st law of thermodynamics

Answer 1

energy cannot be created or destroyed

Question 2

What is the 2nd law of thermodynamics

Answer 2

Entropy is always increasing

Question 3

What is the 3rd law of thermodynamics

Answer 3

mass cannot be created or destroyed

Question 4

What is a perfect nutrient cycle?

Answer 4

Like nitrogen or water, move nutrients through a cycle continuously

Question 5

What is an imperfect cycle?

Answer 5

Like phosphorus, lose nutrients over time. For example, they are tied up in sediment or sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Question 6

What is a nutrient sink?

Answer 6

Stores matter and nutrients, like a tropical forest is a carbon sink

Question 7

What is a nutrient source?

Answer 7

Releases nutrients more than it absorbs, like burning fossil fuels is a carbon source

Question 8

What are a couple of limitations for carbon cycling?

Answer 8

must first dissolve in water, and some is hidden in unavailable forms long term

Question 9

In the perfect Nitrogen cycle, N2 is reduced to _____ by nitrogen fixers

Answer 9

NH3 (ammonia)

Question 10

An example of a nitrogen fixer is

Answer 10

Firetree

Question 11

Animals can move N through the ecosystem by ________

Answer 11

grazing