2: Cycles of Matter Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the nature of the amount of water in the biosphere?
There is a limited (finite) amount of water in the biosphere
Water is re-used in the hydrologic cycle.
What role does hydrogen bonding play in water?
Hydrogen bonding plays a key role in determining the properties and uses of water
It affects water’s ability to dissolve and transport materials.
What essential service does water provide?
Water provides an essential service for humans and ecosystems
Drought and poor water quality can affect water availability.
Which chemical elements are considered main nutrients in living organisms?
Carbon, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen
These elements are found in the land, atmosphere, and water.
Where is phosphorus primarily found?
Phosphorus is found in living organisms and in the land and water, but is rarely found in the atmosphere
It is an important nutrient for life.
What do biogeochemical cycles do?
Biogeochemical cycles make chemical elements available continuously
They recycle nutrients through biotic and abiotic processes.
How are nutrients stored in the environment?
Nutrients are stored in nutrient reservoirs for short to longer periods of time
They cycle among these reservoirs at different rates.
True or False: Natural processes and human activities do not affect the transfer of energy and cycling of matter.
False
Disruptions in one biogeochemical cycle can affect another cycle.
What can excess sulfur and nitrogen in the environment result in?
Acid deposition
This can harm both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
What environmental issue can excess nitrogen and phosphorus cause?
Eutrophication and algal blooms
These issues occur when nutrients run off into aquatic ecosystems.
What does water transport in the biosphere?
Nutrients and other chemicals
Water plays a crucial role in the movement of essential substances necessary for life.
Is Earth an open or closed system?
Closed system
In a closed system, all matter is recycled and nothing is added or removed from the system.
What do relatively rapid biogeochemical cycles do?
Transfer matter between organisms and soil, air, and water
These cycles are essential for maintaining ecosystem functions.
What can remove matter from long-term storage?
Natural processes and human activities
Activities such as mining, deforestation, and pollution can disrupt natural storage systems.
What limits ecosystem productivity?
Available energy, nutrients, and water
These three factors are critical for sustaining plant and animal life in ecosystems.
What is the state of energy and matter exchange in the biosphere?
Dynamic balance
This balance is crucial for maintaining ecological stability.
How did the composition of the atmosphere of ancient Earth differ from today?
It was different from its composition today
Changes over time include the increase in oxygen levels due to photosynthesis.
What processes account for the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases in the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
These processes are interconnected and help regulate atmospheric gases.
Can human activities alter the composition of Earth’s atmosphere?
Yes, with both short-term and long-term consequences
Activities such as burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change.
