Nature Cycle: Ecology Trivia Quiz

Nitrogen fixation is not directly involved in the process of the water cycle. The water cycle refers to the continuous movement and exchange of water between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and underground. It includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. Precipitation refers to the falling of condensed water vapor in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Sunlight plays a crucial role in driving the water cycle by providing energy for evaporation and causing temperature changes. However, nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form that can be used by plants and other organisms, and it is not directly related to the water cycle.

Photosynthesis and respiration are both involved in the Carbon Cycle. During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce glucose and oxygen. This process helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter. On the other hand, respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as plants and animals break down organic matter to produce energy. This continuous exchange of carbon between living organisms and the atmosphere is a vital part of the Carbon Cycle.

An increase in the burning of fossil fuels would lead to an increase in carbon in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas contain carbon, and when they are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This process, known as combustion, is a major contributor to the increase in greenhouse gasses and the subsequent warming of the Earth's climate. Therefore, an increase in the burning of fossil fuels would result in more carbon being released into the atmosphere, exacerbating the problem of climate change.

Bacteria are the type of organism that convert free nitrogen into a usable form. They do this through a process called nitrogen fixation, where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or nitrate, which can then be used by plants and other organisms. Plants, animals, and humans cannot perform nitrogen fixation themselves, but they rely on bacteria to convert nitrogen into a form that they can use for growth and development.

Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrogen into a usable form called ammonia for plants. This process is known as nitrogen fixation. Ammonia can then be further converted into other forms such as nitrate or nitrite, which can be absorbed and utilized by plants for their growth and development. Without the contribution of bacteria in this process, nitrogen in the atmosphere would remain unavailable to plants, limiting their ability to obtain this essential nutrient.

Transpiration is the correct answer because it is the process by which water evaporates from the leaves of plants. During transpiration, water is absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaves, where it is released into the atmosphere through small openings called stomata. This process helps to regulate the temperature of the plant and also allows for the uptake of nutrients from the soil.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose using sunlight. During this process, carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored in the plant's tissues, making it the only option among the given processes that does not add carbon to the atmosphere. Clear-cutting and mining, burning of fossil fuels, and cellular respiration all release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

The correct answer states that matter is cycled within an ecosystem, meaning it is constantly being recycled and reused. This is supported by the fact that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. Energy, on the other hand, is not recycled but rather converted into different forms as it moves through trophic levels in the ecosystem. This conversion of energy ultimately leads to the production of heat energy, which is a byproduct of energy transfer and is lost from the ecosystem. Therefore, the answer accurately describes how matter and energy are cycled through the ecosystem.

When rainforests are cut down, the trees can no longer undergo photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Without photosynthesis, the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere decreases, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels. This can contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Therefore, the loss of these trees impacts the carbon cycle by reducing the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere. 

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Glucose is a source of energy, while oxygen is necessary for the breakdown of glucose to release energy. Therefore, the pair of materials required for respiration to occur is glucose and oxygen.