Part A:

1. Identify two processes that cycle carbon throughout the atmosphere 

2. Which statement below is NOT true of both the carbon and the water cycle?

(1) Both cycles keep vital nutrients available for organisms
(2) Both carbon and water are transformed into gasses during their cycles
(3) Both carbon and water are important biotic factors in ecosystems
(4) Both cycles involve processes which occur in plants

3a. The formation of clouds is part of the

(1) Water cycle (2) Carbon cycle (3) Oxygen cycle (4) Air cycle

3b. During which stage in the cycle does this occur? _______________________________

Part B:

1. Many homeowners who used to discard dead plants and grass clippings are now saving them, turning them into mulch, and depositing them into the soil in their yards. The use of mulching lawnmowers contributes most directly to

(1) increasing the variation of life (3) ecological succession
(2) recycling of nutrients (4) the production of new species

2. Throughout the carbon cycle, energy is also transferred along with forms of carbon. Which set of terms best identifies the letters in the energy diagram below?

3. Which of the following is/are likely to result in more carbon dioxide being available?

I. an increase in the number of humans on the planet III. an increase in transpiration
II. a decrease in the number of plants IV. an increase in the burning of fossil fuels

(1) II only (2) I and II  (3)  II and IV   (4)  I, II, and IV

4. The diagram below depicts the water cycle. Identify each of the processes in the diagram and justify your answers on the lines below. (Briefly explain how you could tell what each process was).

5. A student decided to create a mini model ecosystem by placing certain abiotic and biotic factors, including both plants and animals, into a small terrarium (glass box).  The terrarium was entirely sealed, meaning no oxygen entered from the outside environment. However, all of the animals were able to survive. Describe one way that oxygen was cycled through this model ecosystem.

Part C:

1. Excessive transpiration can be harmful for plants.  Which of the following is an adaptation that allows plants to overcome this problem?

(1) Plants use the sun for energy.  This allows them to make their food during the day when more water is available.
(2) Plants have large leaves with openings called stomata.  This allows water to exit the plant.
(3) Stomata close at night and during very hot times in the day.  This allows photosynthesis to occur while also conserving water.
(4) When transpiration occurs, water leaves cells in the roots by osmosis (diffusion of water)

2. The decomposition of dead plants and animals is necessary to maintain an equilibrium in an ecosystem. Explain this statement in terms of the carbon cycle.

3. Based on your knowledge of the carbon cycle, what do you think might happen if vast areas of the forest are cleared?