What is the effect of the biogeochemical cycles?

recycling matter through the biosphere

The ocean and the atmosphere serve as long-term storage areas for carbon and other nutrients. What are these storage areas called?

reservoirs

Which process allows water to enter the atmosphere?

evaporation

What is the name of the process that plants use to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

photosynthesis

Which process plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus?

decomposition

Why are bacteria a necessary part of the nitrogen cycle?

Other living things cannot use atmospheric nitrogen.

The phosphorus cycle differs from the biogeochemical cycles in that

it does not have an atmospheric reservoir.

Thiobacillus denitrificans is a species of bacteria that obtains its energy from carbon dioxide and inorganic compounds such as nitrogen in its environment. It is used in bioremediation (natural cleansing) of groundwater that contains excess nitrate, allowing the nitrates to be removed. Through what process does Thiobacillus denitrificans help bioremediate groundwater?

Denitrification

Which are limiting nutrients for plant growth?

phosphorus and nitrogen

Which of these nutrients can be found in all organic compounds?

Carbon

What would happen if there were no condensation stage in the water cycle?

Water could not convert from a gas to a liquid.

Actinobacteria sp. are fermenting organisms, which do not require oxygen to survive. These organisms break down organic material and convert it to inorganic material. Which part of the carbon cycle does this describe?

Decomposition

Which of the following would be a result of eutrophication of a lake?

hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones and leads to an increase in bone fractures. Osteoporosis is most likely to be affected by which cycle?

Phosphorus

Which statement best describes a human influence on the biogeochemical cycles?

increased eutrophication caused by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous

Which best describes a possible negative impact of irrigation of farmland?

Increased runoff can pollute bodies of water.

What process adds carbon dioxide to the air?

Respiration