Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Science
Biology
In what ways do human activities influence the: a) Carbon Cycle?   b) Nitrogen Cycle?

In what ways do human activities influence the: a) Carbon Cycle?   b) Nitrogen Cycle?

Biology 2e
Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Chapter22: Prokaryotes: Bacteria And Archaea
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 3VCQ: Figure 22.19 Which of the following statements about the nitrogen cycle is false? Nitrogen fixing...
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
Question

 In what ways do human activities influence the:

a) Carbon Cycle?

 

b) Nitrogen Cycle?

 

SIMPLE ANSWER IF POSSIBLE PLS!

The Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is extremely abundant in the atmosphere. However, it is not easy to acquire directly from the abiotic environment. Nitrogen enters and leaves the atmosphere through a complex biochemical pathway in the nitrogen cycle (Figure 6, next page). es ed Most of the nitrogen used by living things is taken from the atmosphere Dent by certain bacteria in a process called nitrogen fixation. These micro- organisms convert nitrogen gas into a variety of nitrogen-containing compounds including nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. Lightning and ultraviolet light also fix small amounts of nitrogen. In addition, humans add nitrogen to the soil as fertilizer. Once in the soil ecosystem, the nitrogen-rich compounds are available to producers. After the nitrogen is albsorbed, it is passed from producer to consumer and on up the food chain. Many animals consume more nitrogen than they can use and excrete the excess in the form of urea or ammonia. A dead organism's nitrogen-rich compounds are taken in by decomposers or are released back into the environment. These compounds are either recycled again by soil micro-organisms or they are converted by denitrifying bacteria back into nitrogen gas which then re-enters the atmosphere.
Transcribed Image Text:The Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is extremely abundant in the atmosphere. However, it is not easy to acquire directly from the abiotic environment. Nitrogen enters and leaves the atmosphere through a complex biochemical pathway in the nitrogen cycle (Figure 6, next page). es ed Most of the nitrogen used by living things is taken from the atmosphere Dent by certain bacteria in a process called nitrogen fixation. These micro- organisms convert nitrogen gas into a variety of nitrogen-containing compounds including nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. Lightning and ultraviolet light also fix small amounts of nitrogen. In addition, humans add nitrogen to the soil as fertilizer. Once in the soil ecosystem, the nitrogen-rich compounds are available to producers. After the nitrogen is albsorbed, it is passed from producer to consumer and on up the food chain. Many animals consume more nitrogen than they can use and excrete the excess in the form of urea or ammonia. A dead organism's nitrogen-rich compounds are taken in by decomposers or are released back into the environment. These compounds are either recycled again by soil micro-organisms or they are converted by denitrifying bacteria back into nitrogen gas which then re-enters the atmosphere.
The Carbon Cycle Carbon moves between the abiotic and biotic parts of an ecosystem in the carbon cycle. Most of this exchange occurs between carbon dioxide (either in the atmosphere or dissolved in water) and photosynthesizing plants and micro-organisms. CARBON DEPOSITS While large quantities of carbon cycle through photosynthesis and cellular respiration, most of Earth's carbon is not cycled. Instead, it is stored in carbon-rich deposits. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the most valuable carbon deposits. They form when decomposed organisms are compressed over millions of years. Carbon is also stored for millions of years as limestone formed from dead marine organisms. Large quantities of carbon are also contained in plant tissue and as dissolved carbon dioxide in the world's oceans. These locations are referred to as carbon sinks because carbon can enter or leave them over relatively short times. HUMAN ACTIVITIES CHANGE THE CARBON CYCLE Human activities have dramatic effects on the carbon cycle (Figure 4). By burning fossil fuels, humans release the stored carbon into the atmosphere. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now higher than it has been in at least the past 800 000 years. This change is causing global climatic change. Climate change has the potential to alter the most critical abiotic factors in the ecosystems: temperature and water availability. The increase in the average temperature of our atmosphere is melting ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise, and disrupting ecosystems. Deforestation also increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Figure 5). Large-scale reforestation and a dramatic reduction in the use of fossil fuels are needed to slow the process of climate change. As you study climate change in Grade 10, remember what you have learned about the importance of the carbon cycle and sustainable ecosystems.
Transcribed Image Text:The Carbon Cycle Carbon moves between the abiotic and biotic parts of an ecosystem in the carbon cycle. Most of this exchange occurs between carbon dioxide (either in the atmosphere or dissolved in water) and photosynthesizing plants and micro-organisms. CARBON DEPOSITS While large quantities of carbon cycle through photosynthesis and cellular respiration, most of Earth's carbon is not cycled. Instead, it is stored in carbon-rich deposits. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the most valuable carbon deposits. They form when decomposed organisms are compressed over millions of years. Carbon is also stored for millions of years as limestone formed from dead marine organisms. Large quantities of carbon are also contained in plant tissue and as dissolved carbon dioxide in the world's oceans. These locations are referred to as carbon sinks because carbon can enter or leave them over relatively short times. HUMAN ACTIVITIES CHANGE THE CARBON CYCLE Human activities have dramatic effects on the carbon cycle (Figure 4). By burning fossil fuels, humans release the stored carbon into the atmosphere. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now higher than it has been in at least the past 800 000 years. This change is causing global climatic change. Climate change has the potential to alter the most critical abiotic factors in the ecosystems: temperature and water availability. The increase in the average temperature of our atmosphere is melting ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise, and disrupting ecosystems. Deforestation also increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Figure 5). Large-scale reforestation and a dramatic reduction in the use of fossil fuels are needed to slow the process of climate change. As you study climate change in Grade 10, remember what you have learned about the importance of the carbon cycle and sustainable ecosystems.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Metabolic pathways
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS