Exam 22: Biogeochemical Cycles

Oceans represent the largest natural source of sulfur gases released to the atmosphere.

Much of the problem associated with forest die-back is a direct result of

The source of all carbon in both living organisms and fossil deposits is carbon ________ in the atmosphere and in all the waters of the Earth.

Carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide as the result of the process of

The main reservoir for phosphorus is organic matter in the soil.

________ contamination is a great concern in aquatic systems.

________ is the most common form of nitrogen exported from terrestrial ecosystems in stream water.

There are two basic types of biogeochemical cycles: gaseous and sedimentary.

Precipitation brings appreciable quantities of nutrients into ecosystems that are collectively called ________.

Oxygen is taken up by plants during photosynthesis.

Describe how an atom of phosphorus might move from the crystal lattice of a mineral in a rock, through a plant, and into the ocean.

List and describe three different inputs of sulfur into the atmosphere.

Carbon is exported to the atmosphere via the process of photosynthesis.

Hydrogen sulfide is transformed into sulfate or elemental sulfur by

The flow of nutrients from the non-living to the living and back to the non-living components of an ecosystem is referred to as a(n)________ cycle.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in a forest are greater during the day than during the night.

Outline possible anthropogenic influences on forest dieback.

Biological nitrogen fixation is accomplished by

Biological nitrogen fixation is accomplished by symbiotic ________ living in mutualistic association with plants.

The phosphorus cycle is a sedimentary cycle with essentially no gaseous cycle.