Act 1 Biogeochemical Cycles

LEARNING INTENTION: I can identify the interaction between matter and energy that flows in the abiotic and biotic factors of the
environment.

SECTION I. Select the correct answer by circling it, crossing it out, underlining it, or just write the letter of the correct answer. (Total 10
pts.)

1. What % of nitrogen makes up air approximately?

A. 100 B. 8 C. 53 D. 78

2. Nitrogen is found in:

A. Glucose B. Chlorophyll C. A & B D. None of the above

3. As plants and animals decompose, they release nitrogen into the surrounding environment in the form of ammonium ions
(NH4+). This process is known as:
A. Mineralization B. Nitrification C. Fixation D. Denitrification

4. What process converts nitrogen gas (N2) to nitrate ions that plants can use?
A. Ammonification B. Nitrification C. Fixation D. Denitrification

5. Nitrogen fixation is carried out by _____ that live in soil, and the roots of legumes such as peas, making these organisms
essential in the nitrogen cycle.
A. Nitrogen-fixing virus B. nitrogen-fixing plants C. nitrogen-fixing bacteria D. Decomposers

6. The nitrogen cycle moves nitrogen and oxygen through the environment.
A. True B. False

7. Which of the following plants are legumes?

A. Peas B. clovers C. Alfalfa D. All of the above

8. Nitrogen fixation is done by bacteria only.

A. Yes, only by bacteria. B. No, also by lightning. C. No, only by lighting

9. Which of the following include nitrogen?

A. Carbohydrates and DNA B. DNA and proteins C. Lipids and amino acids

10. When a plant or an animal dies, the initial form(s) of nitrogen present in it is/are:
A. Organic B. Inorganic C. Both A. & B. D. None of the above

SECTION II. Answer the following questions. (Total 10 pts.)

1. Explain why bacteria are the most important part of the nitrogen cycle.

2. If nearly 79% of the atmosphere is made of nitrogen, how could there be a shortage of nitrogen in soil?

3. How do animals obtain usable nitrogen? Why is it important?

4. Give the two natural ways nitrogen can be fixated so plants can use it to grow.

5. Explain the statement “Nutrients do not flow in one direction in the ecosystem, they recycle through the ecosystem.”
*As for punctuality, every time you deliver the assignment one day after the due date, 0.5 point will be
taken off from the total score.

Points obtained Grade

20 10
19 9.5
18 9.0
17 8.5
16 8.0
15 7.5
14 7.0
13 6.5