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Ecology, Concepts and Applications, 2/e
Manuel C. Molles, University of New Mexico - Albuquerque

Nutrient Cycling and Retention

Multiple Choice Quiz



1

The process of breaking atmospheric (molecular) nitrogen in half is called:
A)laxation
B)denitrification
C)sequestration
D)fixation
2

Ocean sediments are sinks for:
A)carbon
B)phosphorus
C)nitrogen
D)all of the above
3

A key ecosystem process is:
A)mineralization during decomposition
B)decomposition, mineralization, deposition
C)precipitation during sclerophylly
D)lignitization during precipitation
4

Because of the factors involved in decomposition, one can predict that rates are:
A)higher in desert ecosystems
B)higher in tropical ecosystems
C)higher in tundra ecosystems
D)relatively constant across ecosystems, but for different reasons
5

Fynbos is:
A)a genus of isopod, used to fix nitrogen
B)an example of an ecologist turned policy-strategist
C)the residual, uncrystallized material as plants absorb lignite
D)a diverse ecosystem type
6

An ecologist noted for work on large-scale biogeochemical cycling is:
A)MacArthur
B)Paine
C)Vitousek
D)Fynbos
7

True or False: Because of the modifications to the physical environment, it is likely that pocket gophers can be considered keystone species, in addition to their roles as nutrient cyclers.
A)True
B)False
8

True or False: Because of ecosystem complexity, it is unlikely that changing the availability of one nutrient such as nitrogen, will have much effect on terrestrial or aquatic systems.
A)True
B)False
9

True or False: A short spiraling length indicates rapid nutrient exchange.
A)True
B)False
10

True or False: Ecologists who study phophorus cycles have highlighted the importance of atmospheric sources to ecosystem functioning.
A)True
B)False