Exam 4: Biosphere

Discuss some of the ways humans are affecting global soils.

Which of the following soils is more likely to be found in an area of high rainfall and high temperatures?

Globally, only about 0.008 percent of all water is in rivers and lakes.

Which of the following is likely responsible for algae bloom in lakes and streams?

Biomes are recycling processes that supply essential substances such as carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients to the biosphere.

Although many processes are involved, clearly combustion of fossil fuels is the most important factor driving the global increase in atmospheric ________ and thus global warming.

Which of the following is true of the Mississippi delta?

Water budgets vary tremendously from one climate to another.

What major factors do we attribute soil properties to? Explain each factor.

In many parts of the world, especially the humid tropics, deforestation and urban development are reducing carbon storage in the biosphere and sending the carbon to the atmosphere.

This is the amount of water that would be evaporated if it were available.

Small organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, insects, and worms would be good examples of ________.

The total amount of carbon in the atmosphere increases by about 8.1 gigatons (Gt) of carbon per year.

Nitrogen fixation occurs by both natural and human processes.

Which of the following types of vegetation is most likely to be found in Costa Rica?

Soil formation is a slow process that takes place very gradually over thousands of years.

One way carbon is returned to the atmosphere is through photosynthesis.

Soil horizons are formed through the vertical movement of water, minerals, and organic matter in the soil and also by variations in biological and chemical activity at different depths.