Biosphere and Ecosystem Dynamics

What is the biosphere?

• The thin life-supporting area of Earth's surface

• The deepest part of the ocean

• Only the land portion of Earth

• The outer core of the Earth

Which of the following best describes the composition of the biosphere?

• Only living organisms

• Only nonliving matter

• Both living organisms (biotic) and nonliving matter (abiotic)

• Only water and air

How do living creatures in the biosphere obtain nutrients?

• By harnessing energy and nutrients from nonliving elements

• By creating nutrients from nothing

• By only eating other living creatures

• By absorbing sunlight directly

Why is the cycling of matter important in the biosphere?

• It allows different elements to combine and form the building blocks of life

• It keeps the temperature of the Earth constant

• It prevents the biosphere from expanding

• It stops living creatures from using energy

Explain how the biosphere can be considered a global ecosystem. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

• Because it includes both living and nonliving components that interact globally

• Because it is only found in one location

• Because it is separate from the atmosphere and oceans

• Because it does not involve the cycling of matter

Which six elements are found in similar proportions in all living things?

• Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur

• Iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, sodium, and potassium

• Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and chlorine

• Helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon

What is the main difference between the movement of energy and the movement of nutrients through the biosphere?

• Energy can be recycled, but nutrients cannot

• Nutrients can be recycled, but energy cannot

• Both energy and nutrients can be recycled

• Neither energy nor nutrients can be recycled

Which process allows plants to use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Erosion

Based on the carbon cycle, what is one way carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere?

• By photosynthesis in plants

• By respiration in animals and other organisms

• By the formation of fossil fuels

• By the absorption of carbon by oceans

Why can't plants use nitrogen directly from the atmosphere?

• Nitrogen in the atmosphere is toxic to plants

• Nitrogen in the atmosphere is in a gaseous form that plants cannot use

• Plants do not need nitrogen to survive

• Nitrogen in the atmosphere is always combined with oxygen