Trace Matter in Ecosystems - Middle School Life Science
Card 1 of 25
What process converts atmospheric N$_2$ into forms plants can use in nitrogen-cycle models?
What process converts atmospheric N$_2$ into forms plants can use in nitrogen-cycle models?
Tap to reveal answer
Nitrogen fixation. Bacteria convert N$_2$ to ammonia that plants can use.
Nitrogen fixation. Bacteria convert N$_2$ to ammonia that plants can use.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What term describes plant uptake of nitrate or ammonium from soil in models?
What term describes plant uptake of nitrate or ammonium from soil in models?
Tap to reveal answer
Assimilation. Plants absorb nitrogen compounds through their roots.
Assimilation. Plants absorb nitrogen compounds through their roots.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What molecule is taken from the atmosphere during photosynthesis in carbon-cycle models?
What molecule is taken from the atmosphere during photosynthesis in carbon-cycle models?
Tap to reveal answer
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$). Plants absorb this gas through stomata for photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$). Plants absorb this gas through stomata for photosynthesis.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the main process producers use to move carbon from air into biomass?
What is the main process producers use to move carbon from air into biomass?
Tap to reveal answer
Photosynthesis. Plants convert CO$_2$ and water into glucose using light.
Photosynthesis. Plants convert CO$_2$ and water into glucose using light.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which model statement is correct: energy is recycled or energy flows one-way in ecosystems?
Which model statement is correct: energy is recycled or energy flows one-way in ecosystems?
Tap to reveal answer
Energy flows one-way. Energy enters as sunlight and exits as heat, never recycled.
Energy flows one-way. Energy enters as sunlight and exits as heat, never recycled.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What term describes nonliving components in an ecosystem model?
What term describes nonliving components in an ecosystem model?
Tap to reveal answer
Abiotic factors. Non-living parts like water, air, and minerals.
Abiotic factors. Non-living parts like water, air, and minerals.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which model statement is correct: matter is recycled or matter is destroyed in ecosystems?
Which model statement is correct: matter is recycled or matter is destroyed in ecosystems?
Tap to reveal answer
Matter is recycled. Atoms are conserved and reused in ecosystem cycles.
Matter is recycled. Atoms are conserved and reused in ecosystem cycles.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What term describes living components in an ecosystem model?
What term describes living components in an ecosystem model?
Tap to reveal answer
Biotic factors. Living organisms like plants and animals.
Biotic factors. Living organisms like plants and animals.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which group converts inorganic matter into organic matter in ecosystem models?
Which group converts inorganic matter into organic matter in ecosystem models?
Tap to reveal answer
Producers (autotrophs). They make organic compounds from inorganic materials.
Producers (autotrophs). They make organic compounds from inorganic materials.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the correct direction of matter flow in a food chain model?
What is the correct direction of matter flow in a food chain model?
Tap to reveal answer
From food to consumer (from eaten to eater). Matter moves from prey to predator when consumed.
From food to consumer (from eaten to eater). Matter moves from prey to predator when consumed.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the definition of matter in an ecosystem model?
What is the definition of matter in an ecosystem model?
Tap to reveal answer
Anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter includes all physical substances in ecosystems.
Anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter includes all physical substances in ecosystems.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the correct order in a model: plant → rabbit → fox. Which is the secondary consumer?
Identify the correct order in a model: plant → rabbit → fox. Which is the secondary consumer?
Tap to reveal answer
Fox. Fox eats the primary consumer (rabbit) in this chain.
Fox. Fox eats the primary consumer (rabbit) in this chain.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which process returns nitrogen gas (N$_2$) to the atmosphere in nitrogen-cycle models?
Which process returns nitrogen gas (N$_2$) to the atmosphere in nitrogen-cycle models?
Tap to reveal answer
Denitrification. Bacteria convert nitrates back to N$_2$ gas.
Denitrification. Bacteria convert nitrates back to N$_2$ gas.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose the correct arrow direction for matter: grass and cow. Which way should the arrow point?
Choose the correct arrow direction for matter: grass and cow. Which way should the arrow point?
Tap to reveal answer
Grass → cow. Arrow points from food source to consumer.
Grass → cow. Arrow points from food source to consumer.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify where matter goes in a model when a leaf dies and decomposes: atmosphere, soil, or sun?
Identify where matter goes in a model when a leaf dies and decomposes: atmosphere, soil, or sun?
Tap to reveal answer
Soil (as nutrients) and atmosphere (as CO$_2$). Decomposition releases CO$_2$ to air and minerals to soil.
Soil (as nutrients) and atmosphere (as CO$_2$). Decomposition releases CO$_2$ to air and minerals to soil.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which component is missing in this matter-cycle model: dead organisms → _____ → soil nutrients?
Which component is missing in this matter-cycle model: dead organisms → _____ → soil nutrients?
Tap to reveal answer
Decomposers. They break down dead matter into soil nutrients.
Decomposers. They break down dead matter into soil nutrients.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What process returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere from organisms in models?
What process returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere from organisms in models?
Tap to reveal answer
Cellular respiration. All organisms release CO$_2$ when breaking down glucose for energy.
Cellular respiration. All organisms release CO$_2$ when breaking down glucose for energy.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What term names organisms that break down dead matter and recycle nutrients?
What term names organisms that break down dead matter and recycle nutrients?
Tap to reveal answer
Decomposers. Bacteria and fungi convert dead tissue to simple nutrients.
Decomposers. Bacteria and fungi convert dead tissue to simple nutrients.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the product of decomposition that becomes available in soil for plants?
What is the product of decomposition that becomes available in soil for plants?
Tap to reveal answer
Inorganic nutrients (mineral nutrients). Decomposition releases minerals plants can absorb.
Inorganic nutrients (mineral nutrients). Decomposition releases minerals plants can absorb.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the abiotic reservoir that stores most available nitrogen for ecosystems.
Identify the abiotic reservoir that stores most available nitrogen for ecosystems.
Tap to reveal answer
The atmosphere (as N$_2$ gas). 78% of air is nitrogen gas, the main nitrogen source.
The atmosphere (as N$_2$ gas). 78% of air is nitrogen gas, the main nitrogen source.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the term for nonliving parts of an ecosystem such as water, air, and soil?
What is the term for nonliving parts of an ecosystem such as water, air, and soil?
Tap to reveal answer
Abiotic factors. Non-living components provide physical and chemical conditions for life.
Abiotic factors. Non-living components provide physical and chemical conditions for life.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the correct order for carbon movement in a simple chain: plant, rabbit, fox, air ($CO_2$)?
What is the correct order for carbon movement in a simple chain: plant, rabbit, fox, air ($CO_2$)?
Tap to reveal answer
Plant → rabbit → fox → atmosphere ($CO_2$). Carbon moves through food chain, then returns to air via respiration.
Plant → rabbit → fox → atmosphere ($CO_2$). Carbon moves through food chain, then returns to air via respiration.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What process returns water vapor to the atmosphere from plant leaves?
What process returns water vapor to the atmosphere from plant leaves?
Tap to reveal answer
Transpiration. Water evaporates from leaf stomata during gas exchange.
Transpiration. Water evaporates from leaf stomata during gas exchange.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What process moves carbon from the atmosphere into plant sugars?
What process moves carbon from the atmosphere into plant sugars?
Tap to reveal answer
Photosynthesis. Plants convert atmospheric $CO_2$ and water into glucose using sunlight.
Photosynthesis. Plants convert atmospheric $CO_2$ and water into glucose using sunlight.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What process moves carbon from organisms to the atmosphere as $CO_2$?
What process moves carbon from organisms to the atmosphere as $CO_2$?
Tap to reveal answer
Cellular respiration. All organisms release $CO_2$ when breaking down glucose for energy.
Cellular respiration. All organisms release $CO_2$ when breaking down glucose for energy.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →