Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

1. Processes involved in the Carbon Cycle Match the name of the processes with the correct description. Photosynthesis process used by producers to convert solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars and oxygen Cellular respiration process by which heterotrophs convert chemical energy and oxygen into water, carbon dioxide, and ATP. Decomposition process by which organisms breakdown into organic compounds Combustion process by which carbon dioxide is released from fossil fuels 2. Which of the following is true about the carbon cycle? Combustion reduces carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Cellular respiration uses carbon dioxide gas and water. Decomposition recycles the carbon and produces sunlight. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and makes organic matter. 3. Which of the following increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? increased photosynthesis reduction of cellular respiration increased usage of fossil fuels increase in waste elimination by animals 4. How does nitrogen enter the biotic (living) part of the Nitrogen cycle? photosynthesis brings in nitrogen gas to the plant nitrogen fixing bacteria form nitrogen that plants can take in Plants absorb nitrogen gas directly from the air. Animals breathe in nitrogen gas and use it to build protein. A large forest is cleared to make space for buildings and roads. After some time, the nearby river becomes polluted, and fish populations start to decline. Scientists notice that nitrogen levels in the river have increased.How did removing the producers (trees and plants) most likely disrupt the nitrogen cycle? The loss of trees caused the nitrogen in the river to turn into oxygen, which was toxic to fish. Animals in the forest stopped producing nitrogen after the trees were cut down. The trees stored too much nitrogen, and removing them caused all the nitrogen to disappear. Without plants to absorb nitrogen from the soil, more nitrogen washed into the river, harming aquatic life.