Effects of Cycles on Ecosystems

Question 1

What effect do abiotic cycles have on ecosystems?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Abiotic cycles have a great impact on ecosystems. When the cycles occur more frequently, like the water cycle in the rainforest, the living components of the ecosystem respond accordingly. The organisms in the rainforest are adapted to the conditions of abiotic cycles in that region. The organisms in the desert are also adapted to the conditions of abiotic cycles in their region.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about the phosphorus cycle is true?a.In living organisms, phosphorus can be found in nucleic acids.b.Phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems is only found in sediment.c.Elevated levels of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems is always beneficial. d.The soil plays no part in the phosphorus cycle.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Explain the role of organisms in the carbon cycle.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Organisms move carbon through the carbon cycle by taking in, storing, and releasing it. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter. Animals acquire carbon by feeding, while respiration and decomposition return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Question 4

Plants in the desert _______.a.effectively conserve and retain water b.have high levels of transpirationc.release 50-80% of water back into the ecosystemd.make their own precipitation

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 5

Explain how fluctuations in abiotic cycles can influence populations.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Student answers will vary. Populations are influenced by fluctuations in any of the abiotic cycles. The fluctuation of seasonal cycles can cause populations to hibernate, migrate, or breed. Organisms hibernate as a result of seasonal fluctuations that cause them to have a limited resource supply.Fluctuations in the phosphorus cycle can cause changes to aquatic ecosystems, either positive or negative.

Question 6

How do the plants in a rainforest contribute to the water cycle?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Plants in a rainforest contribute to the amount of precipitation through the process of transpiration. Transpiration occurs when plants release water in the process of photosynthesis. The large number of plants in the rainforest produces a large amount of water, releasing up to 80% of the water they absorb back into the ecosystem as water vapor. This water vapor can then be returned to the soil for in the form of precipitation. This movement of water from the soil and back into the atmosphere is a key component of the water cycle.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a way in which carbon gases are introduced into the atmosphere? a. forest fires b. respiration c. photosynthesis d. burning of fossil fuels Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 8

In the carbon cycle, carbon is found in _______.a.the atmosphereb.the soilc.living organismsd.all of the above

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 9

Hibernation is _______.a.an example of an abiotic cycleb.triggered by changes in the weatherc.caused only by biotic factorsd.triggered by breeding patterns

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B

Question 10

What is a possible consequence of fertilizer runoff in aquatic ecosystems?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Fertilizer runoff can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. When fertilizer is introduced into aquatic ecosystems it can cause phytoplankton to multiply rapidly. Large increases in the number of phytoplankton can cause the oxygen in the water to be depleted, leading to suffocation of the organisms in the water.

Effects of Cycles on Ecosystems Answers

More from this Course

TRY EDGENUITY HACKS