Understanding Biogeochemical Cycles and Carbon

What is the primary benefit of composting biodegradable materials?

• It creates new types of plants.

• It produces nutrient-rich soil for plants.

• It instantly removes all waste from the environment.

• It generates electricity for homes.

Which characteristic makes carbon a fundamental element for life and a key component of many different substances?

• It is the heaviest element on the periodic table.

• It has a unique ability to form four bonds with other atoms.

• It is only found in living organisms.

• It can only exist as a gas.

How does carbon from the atmosphere typically enter living organisms?

• Animals directly absorb it through their skin.

• It is dissolved in the ocean and then consumed by fish.

• Photosynthetic organisms take in carbon dioxide.

• It is released from burning fossil fuels.

What is the primary role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

• They consume nitrogen from animals.

• They convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms for plants.

• They release nitrogen gas into the atmosphere from plants.

• They store nitrogen in rocks and fossil fuels.