Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles

Humans are disrupting the carbon cycle in ways that have resulted in increased levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Which of the following human activities are most directly responsible for this increase?

• I. Deforestation and the clearing of plants that absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

• II. The addition of larger amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).

• III. The production of cement.

• I and III only

• I, II and III

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which of the following is NOT true regarding oxygen?

• Oxygen gas is a natural occurring gas in the atmosphere.

• Oxygen gas is a byproduct of photosynthesis.

• Oxygen gas is a reactant in cellular respiration.

• Oxygen gas is the largest component of the atmosphere.

• Oxygen gas is a highly reactive molecule

The release of this element into the atmosphere is due, in large part, to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

• Sulfur

• Nitrogen

• Carbon

• Phosphorus

• All of the above cycles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which of the following has shifted the storage of carbon from sediment to the atmosphere?

• Mining of coal

• Combustion of fossil fuels

• Increased occurrence of acid precipitation

• Extraction of crude oil

• Industrial smog

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

One way in which scientists study climate change is through the analysis of gases in ice core samples. What information does this tell us about the climate?

• The impact of changing sea levels on the climate.

• The frequency of thermal inversions in the atmosphere.

• Greenhouse gas concentrations, atmospheric composition, and trends in atmospheric temperature.

• The rate of solidification of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

• Nothing. This not a way to study climate change.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which of the following best describes the process of photosynthesis?

• Oxygen, water, and solar energy are used to produce carbon dioxide and sugar.

• Oxygen, sugar, and solar energy are used to produce carbon dioxide and water.

• Carbon dioxide, water, and solar energy are used to produce oxygen and sugar.

• Carbon dioxide and oxygen combine to from water and sugar.

• Carbon dioxide and water are used to produce oxygen, sugar and more carbon dioxide.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following greenhouse gases are most abundant in the atmosphere?

• Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane

• Carbon monoxide and methane.

• Methane, water vapor, and sulfur dioxide.

• Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide.

• Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

The main global contributing factors to greenhouse gas emissions are

• Electricity production and transportation

• Industrial processes

• Agricultural processes

• Agriculture and transporation

• None of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which of the following is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmopshere?

• Methane

• Nitrogen dioxide

• Water vapor

• Carbon dioxide

• Sulfur dioxide

Which of the following is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Argon

• Hydrogen

• Helium