ECO6 - Biogeochemical Cycles

Question 1

What elements are recycled in biogeochemical cycles?

Answer 1

Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus

Question 2

What links carbon and oxygen cycles?

Answer 2

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Question 3

What is rapid cycling in the carbon cycle?

Answer 3

Quick movement of nutrients via fires, decomposition, deforestation, fossil fuels

Question 4

What is slow cycling in the carbon cycle?

Answer 4

Storage in carbon sinks like oceans, forests, bogs; release via weathering, combustion

Question 5

What is nitrogen fixation?

Answer 5

Conversion of N₂ into ammonia by bacteria, lightning, or industrial methods

Question 6

What is ammonification?

Answer 6

Conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonium by bacteria

Question 7

What is nitrification?

Answer 7

Bacteria convert ammonium into nitrites, then nitrates

Question 8

What is denitrification?

Answer 8

Conversion of nitrates to atmospheric nitrogen by bacteria or other sources

Question 9

How do humans impact the nitrogen cycle?

Answer 9

Fertilizers cause pollution, nitrous oxide emissions, and biodiversity loss

Question 10

Why is sulfur important and how does it cycle?

Answer 10

Part of proteins/vitamins; cycles via bacteria, volcanoes, acid rain

Question 11

How is phosphorus cycled?

Answer 11

Weathering releases phosphate into soil/water; used by producers, consumed by animals

Question 12

Why can phosphorus be harmful in excess?

Answer 12

Causes algal blooms from agricultural runoff