8E: Exploring Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

Which of the following is a process in the carbon cycle where plants convert carbon dioxide into organic matter using sunlight?

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Combustion

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Explain how human activities such as burning fossil fuels impact the carbon cycle.

• They decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• They increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• They have no effect on the carbon cycle.

• They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

• Nitrogen fixation

• Ammonification

Describe the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle.

• They release carbon dioxide by breaking down dead organisms.

• They convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

• They store carbon in the form of fossil fuels.

• They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Identify the process in the nitrogen cycle where ammonia is converted into nitrites and nitrates.

• Nitrogen fixation

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

• Ammonification

How do decomposers contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

• They fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.

• They convert nitrates into nitrogen gas.

• They break down organic matter, releasing ammonia.

• They absorb nitrogen gas from the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the effect of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

• It increases the amount of carbon stored in trees.

• It decreases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• It increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• It has no effect on the carbon cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which process in the nitrogen cycle involves the conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas?

• Nitrogen fixation

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

• Ammonification

Discuss the importance of the carbon and nitrogen cycles in maintaining ecosystem balance.

• They are not important for ecosystems.

• They help in the recycling of nutrients essential for life.

• They only affect plant life.

• They are only important for aquatic ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3