Chapter 3

Question 1

4 components of earth’s life support system

Answer 1

1. atmosphere
2. hydrosphere
3. geosphere- core, mantle, crust
4. biosphere- thin layer where life exists

Question 2

3 factors that sustain the earth’s life

Answer 2

1. flow of high quality energy from sun
2. cycling of nutrients
3. gravity

Question 3

aerobic respiration

Answer 3

uses oxygen to convert nutrients back into carbon dioxide and water

Question 4

pyramid of energy flow

Answer 4

shows the decrease in usable chemical energy available at each trophic level

Question 5

how much energy transfers to each energy level?

Answer 5

10%

Question 6

GPP

Answer 6

the rate at which an ecosystem’s producers convert solar energy to chemical energy

Question 7

the water cycle

Answer 7

evaporation and precipitation

Question 8

the carbon cycle

Answer 8

compounds of carbon circulate through the biosphere, the atmosphere, and the hydrosphere

Question 9

the nitrogen cycle

Answer 9

compounds of nitrogen that can be absorbed by plants are made by reactions involving lightning and bacteria in the top layer of soil

Question 10

the phosphorus cycle

Answer 10

compounds of phosphorus circulate through water, the earth’s crust, and organisms. Does not circle through air and cycle is slower than others

Question 11

the sulfur cycle

Answer 11

circulates through biosphere and comes from rocks and minerals