PEECO Midterm Long Quiz

What is the primary source of water vapor in the atmosphere?

• Underground aquifers

• Terrestrial plants

• Oceans

• Lakes and rivers

What human activity has a significant impact on the phosphorus cycle by increasing the flow of phosphates into aquatic ecosystems?

• A) Forest conservation

• B) Sustainable mining practices

• C) Urbanization and land development

• D) Use of organic fertilizers

What is the primary reservoir for phosphorus in the phosphorus cycle?

• Atmosphere

• Oceans

• Soil

• Living organisms

What is the major source of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Burning fossil fuels

• Decomposition of organic matter

• Photosynthesis by marine algae

What is the primary source of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions into the atmosphere from human activities?

• A) Deforestation

• B) Volcanic eruptions

• C) Industrial processes

• D) Anaerobic decomposition

How do human activities primarily contribute to the depletion of phosphorus in terrestrial ecosystems?

• A) By conserving forests and grasslands

• B) By promoting the use of phosphate-rich fertilizers

• C) By reducing the export of phosphate-rich soil through erosion

• D) By increasing the extraction of phosphorus for agricultural purposes

How do human activities primarily contribute to excess phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems?

• A) By reducing erosion and runoff from agricultural lands

• B) By conserving wetlands and riparian zones

• C) By limiting the use of phosphate-containing detergents

• D) By increasing the discharge of phosphate-rich wastewater

In the context of the carbon cycle, what process releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere from living organisms?

• A) Photosynthesis

• B) Aerobic respiration

• C) Decomposition

• D) Combustion

What are the two major processes involved in the water cycle?

• Erosion and deposition

• Evaporation and precipitation

• Photosynthesis and respiration

• Sublimation and condensation

How do human activities primarily contribute to acid deposition in the sulfur cycle?

• By increasing sulfur fixation in aquatic ecosystems

• Through the release of sulfuric acid vapor from industrial processes

• By reducing the emissions of sulfur dioxide from power plants

• By promoting the oxidation of sulfide ions in soil