Biology 20 - Chapter 2 : Matter Exchange in the Biosphere

Question 1

Hydrologic cycle

Answer 1

The continuous process by which water circulates through the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land.

Question 2

Universal solvent

Answer 2

A substance that has the ability to dissolve a wide range of other substances. Water is the universal solvent because of its unique molecular and polarity, which allows it to dissolve many substances like salts, sugars, acids, and gasses.

Question 3

Hydrogen bonding

Answer 3

A weak attraction between the hydrogen of one molecule and the oxygene of another nearby molecule. Water polar molecules (slightly positive charge at one’s side and a slightly negative charge on the opposite side) allow water to make hydrogen bonds.

Question 4

Polar molecules

Answer 4

Molecules that have a slightly positive charge at one side, and a slightly negative charge at the opposite side.

Question 5

Adhesion

Answer 5

The attraction of water molecules to molecules of other substances.

Question 6

Cohesion

Answer 6

The attraction of water molecules to one another, the reason surface tension exists.

Question 7

Heat capacity

Answer 7

A measure of how much heat a substance can absorb or release for a given change in temperature.

Question 8

Photosynthesis

Answer 8

A process used by plants to convert water, carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose and oxygen which they use as the primary energy source.

Question 9

Cellular respiration

Answer 9

A process used by organisms to convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water and energy for use.

Question 10

Metabolic

Answer 10

The chemical process that occurs in living organisms to maintain life. It involves the conversion of nutrients into energy needed for growth, repair, etc..

Question 11

Water transpiration

Answer 11

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts such as leaves, stems and flowers.

Question 12

Effects of drought

Answer 12

Negative impacts experienced by ecosystems, agriculture, communities due to an extended period of significantly reduced precipitation of water availability. This can include crop failure, water shortages, reduced agricultural productivity etc..

Question 13

Nutrient reservoirs

Answer 13

Storage areas within ecosystems where essential nutrients accumulate temporarily before being cycled through biological and environmental processes for example organisms, soil, air and water.

Question 14

Rapid cycling

Answer 14

When cycling happens relatively quickly ex. Carbon moving from producer to consumer decomposes to the atmosphere.

Question 15

Slow cycling

Answer 15

When cycling is happening relatively slowly where substances accumulate and are stored for long periods where they are inaccessible to organisms ex. Fossil fuel deposits.

Question 16

Carbon cycle

Answer 16

The natural process by which carbon atoms move between living organisms, the atmosphere, oceans, soil and rocks in a continuous cycle.

Question 17

Oxygen cycle

Answer 17

The continuous process by which oxygen atoms move between the earth’s atmosphere, biosphere through various biological and physical processes.

Question 18

Nitrogen cycle

Answer 18

A biogeochemical cycle that shows how nitrogen is converted into different forms as it is transported through the air, water and soil.

Question 19

Phosphorus cycle

Answer 19

The phosphorus cycle is the natural process by which phosphorus moves between rocks, soil, water, and living organisms in the ecosystem. Unlike the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles, the phosphorus cycle does not involve a significant gaseous component and primarily operates through the movement of solid and dissolved forms of phosphorus.

Question 20

Algal blooms

Answer 20

Algal blooms refer to the rapid proliferation of algae in aquatic ecosystems, leading to a sudden and visible increase in algal biomass. These blooms are often caused by factors such as high nutrient levels, warm temperatures, and calm water conditions. Algal blooms can have detrimental effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.

Question 21

Productivity

Answer 21

The rate at which a system or organisms or ecosystems produce organic matter, usually through processes such as photo/chemosynthesis relative to the amount of energy nutrients, or resources available.

Question 22

Equilibrium

Answer 22

A state of balance or stability within an ecosystem or organism where various processes and environmental factors are in relative balance, allowing the system to maintain a stable condition over time.

Question 23

Homeostasis

Answer 23

The biological process through which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable conditions necessary for survival, the tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium.

Question 24

Gais hypothesis

Answer 24

Earth and its biological systems behave as a huge single entity. The entity has closely controlled self-regulatory negative feedback loops that keep the conditions on the planet within boundaries that are favorable to life.

Question 25

Stromatolietes

Answer 25

Layered structures formed by the growth of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in shallow water environments.

Question 26

Cyanobacteria

Answer 26

Cyanobacteria are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis and are capable of producing oxygen.

Question 27

Biosphere 2

Answer 27

Biosphere 2 is a research facility located in Arizona, USA, designed to simulate Earth’s ecosystems and explore the interactions between living organisms and their environment.

Question 28

Aquatic dead zone

Answer 28

An aquatic dead zone is an area within a body of water, where oxygen levels are extremely low or depleted, leading to a lack of aquatic life and biodiversity.