BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

The diagram below shows the flow of carbon in a terrestrial ecosystem. Which will most likely happen if the decomposers are removed from the carbon cycle?

• The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will increase.

• The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will decrease.

• The amount of carbon dioxide used by producers will increase.

• The amount of carbon dioxide needed by consumers will decrease.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The framework of organic molecules essential to all organisms is composed mainly of carbon atoms. Which processes are involved in the cycling of carbon within an environment?

• evaporation and condensation

• transcription and translation

• diffusion and transpiration

• photosynthesis and respiration

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

If the plant population decreased, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere would _________.

• increase

• decrease

• stay the same

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Leaves fall from deciduous trees in autumn. The carbon in these leaves is returned to the atmosphere through which of the following processes?

• condensation

• photosynthesis

• transpiration

• decomposition

The diagram below shows part of the carbon cycle. If many trees are moved form the forest by logging, which is the most immediate effect on the carbon cycle in the forest.

• increase in the rates of decomposition

• increase in the rates of atmospheric carbon dioxide

• decreased combustion of fossil fuel

• increased production of organic combustion

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A graph of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration over time is shown below.

Scientists are investigating the cause of the large increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since about 1800. Which of the following provides the best explanation for the increase.

• eruptions of large volcanoes

• use of fossil fuels by humans

• natural fluctuations of climate

• photosynthesis by photo plankton

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

^{Scientists that study the effects of global warming predict that a change in Earth's average temperature of even a few degrees will have dramatic effects. One consequence of global warming is the melting of the polar ice caps, which will in turn affect polar bears that use sea ice as a platform for hunting seals. What will most likely happen to the population of polar bears as a result of global warming?}

• It will decrease as the habitat for polar bears decrease.

• It will increase as the polar bears adapt to other habitats.

• It will increase because polar bears will have few predators.

• It will decrease because polar bears will become easier to hunt.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4