Exam 21: Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling

The incorporation of mineral nutrients into an organic form is called ________.

Coastal zones of contact between freshwater from streams and rivers and salt water from the ocean are called

In open water ecosystems, decomposition occurs primarily in the

Describe the soil microbial loop.

Aerobic decomposition occurs at a faster rate than anaerobic decomposition.

Which of the following is NOT an important process involved in decomposition?

Describe the process of upwelling in the ocean and how it relates to fisheries.

Animals that feed on bacteria and fungi are called ________.

In salt marshes, only a small portion of primary production is consumed by herbivores.

In ________, the process of nutrient cycling is sometimes described as nutrient spiraling.

Coastal ecosystems are not very productive because they are usually cool.

The breakdown of chemical bonds that were formed during the construction of plant and animal tissues is called ________.

Decomposition proceeds faster in moist environments than in dry environments.

Define mineralization and immobilization, and discuss the differences between them.

The major decomposers of dead plant tissues are

Describe three different processes that are important for decomposition. Explain which organisms are important for each of the processes.

Estuaries receive nutrients both from tides and from streams and rivers.

Compounds resistant to decomposition are known as

The last organic compound to be decomposed in plant matter is

Which of the following is NOT a component of plant tissue?