Cycles & Succession Flashcard

Front

What does label A in the nitrogen cycle represent?

Back

Nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Front

What has caused the average temperature of the Earth to increase approximately 1°C in the past century?

Back

Higher levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What is a steady and stable community in ecology called?

Back

Climax community.

Front

What is the main difference between primary and secondary ecological succession?

Back

Primary begins without soil; Secondary begins with soil.

Front

Which process is NOT part of the carbon cycle?

Back

Denitrifying bacteria.

Front

What is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen called?

Back

Photosynthesis.

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Ecological succession that begins in a lifeless area without soil.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Ecological succession that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the ecosystem?

Back

They break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.