Question 1

Some plankton make shells of calcite/aragonite,that is,CaCO₃.They do this metabolically by combining calcium (Ca²⁺)ions and bicarbonate (HCO₃-)ions that are both dissolved in water around them.When such plankton dies,their shells sink downward to become sediment on the ocean floor.Under some conditions in the ocean or sediment,the CaCO₃ shells may dissolve,locally enriching the pore waters or deep-ocean waters in HCO₃-.Portions of this total process could be considered belonging to each of the following cycles,EXCEPT for the ____________.
A) carbon cycle
B) biogeochemical cycle
C) methane cycle
D) calcium cycle

Accepted Answer

The processes described in the passage are related to the carbon cycle (involving the formation and dissolution of CaCO₃ shells), the biogeochemical cycle (involving the uptake and release of ions by plankton and their eventual sinking to the ocean floor), and the calcium cycle (involving the cycling of Ca²⁺ ions in ocean water and sediment). However, there is no mention of methane in the passage, and thus it is not involved in this process.

Question 2

Assume that a new family of bacteria species evolves and becomes widespread,and that it rapidly and easily combines atmospheric oxygen with previously stable minerals.What would you reconsider about the oxygenation of the atmosphere several billion years ago?
A) that it was a negative feedback
B) that it was an irreversible process
C) whether it really resulted in globally cooler temperatures.
D) that it did not really occur for the reasons that we think

Accepted Answer

The ability of the new bacteria species to easily combine atmospheric oxygen with previously stable minerals suggests that oxygenation of the atmosphere may not have been an irreversible process as previously thought. This challenges the idea that once oxygen was introduced to the atmosphere, it remained and led to permanent changes.

Question 3

The formation of oil shale deposits,coals,and limestones has what overall effect on CO₂ in the Earth's atmosphere?
A) increases the total CO₂ in the atmosphere
B) decreases the total CO₂ in the atmosphere
C) either increases or decreases it, depending upon the depositional environment and diagenetic processes
D) The formation of oil shale deposits, coals, and limestones has very little effect.

Accepted Answer

The formation of oil shale deposits, coals, and limestones involves the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and its transfer into these geological formations. As a result, the overall effect is a decrease in the total CO₂ in the atmosphere. This process occurs over millions of years and is one of the natural ways in which the carbon cycle operates to balance the Earth's carbon budget.

Question 4

The figure below shows a variety of processes that are part of the global carbon cycle.Which of the following three chemicals besides CO₂ are shown as part of the carbon cycle? 
A) CO (carbon monoxide), C (graphite or diamond), and CO₃ (carbon trioxide)
B) CH₄ (methane), O₃ (ozone), and C (graphite or diamond)
C) CH₄ (methane), HCO₃- (bicarbonate), and CaCO₃ (calcite)
D) CO (carbon monoxide), CO₃ (carbon trioxide), and CaCO₃ (calcite)

Accepted Answer

The figure shows CH₄ (methane) as part of the carbon cycle, which is one of the options in choice C. Additionally, HCO₃- (bicarbonate) and CaCO₃ (calcite) are also shown as part of the cycle, which are the other two options in choice C. The other choices do not include these three chemicals as part of the carbon cycle.

Question 5

Cyclical global change includes the formation of core,mantle,and crust from a homogeneous mixture,a state to which one day Earth will return.

Accepted Answer

Cyclical global change does not include the formation of core, mantle, and crust from a homogeneous mixture. Instead, these structures were formed through processes such as differentiation and plate tectonics, and Earth is not expected to return to a state of homogeneity.

Question 6

Nearly all biological,physical,and chemical systems on Earth are disconnected and can be effectively studied in isolation from each other.

Accepted Answer

Many biological, physical, and chemical systems on Earth are interconnected and cannot be fully understood without considering their interactions with other systems. For example, changes in the climate can impact ecosystems, and changes in the chemistry of the ocean can affect global climate patterns. Therefore, it is important to study these systems in the context of their interactions with other systems.

Question 7

Pollen species cannot be used to interpret ancient environments because most species inhabit all environments.

Accepted Answer

Pollen species can actually be used to interpret ancient environments because different species have specific environmental preferences and can therefore be used to reconstruct past ecosystems. For example, certain pollen species may indicate the presence of wetlands, while others may suggest a dry grassland environment.

Question 8

Global warming has caused Earth to become warmer in the last few decades than it has ever been in geologic history.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Global warming has caused Earth to become...

Question 9

Based on information in this chapter and the chapter on energy,what effect do you think the discovery of several more centuries of oil reserves would probably end up having on global climate?
A) cooling
B) decade-long cycles of warming and cooling, similar to sunspot cycle-related changes in solar insolation
C) warming
D) none

Accepted Answer

The burning of fossil fuels, particularly oil, releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, the discovery of several more centuries of oil reserves would likely lead to more burning of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gases, resulting in continued warming of the global climate.

Question 10

How are bicarbonate and carbon dioxide related to one another?
A) Carbon dioxide (CO₂) forms when bicarbonate minerals break down.
B) Carbon dioxide forms when bicarbonate migrates from its gaseous state in the atmosphere into soils.
C) Bicarbonate commonly forms when CO₂ molecules enter into water.
D) Bicarbonate and CO₂ are the same thing.

Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate commonly forms when CO₂ molecules enter into water, leading to the reaction: CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ → HCO₃⁻ + H⁺. This means that bicarbonate and carbon dioxide are related, but not the same thing. Options A and B are incorrect because they suggest carbon dioxide forms when bicarbonate breaks down or migrates from the atmosphere, respectively. Option D is incorrect because bicarbonate and carbon dioxide are structurally and chemically different molecules.

Question 11

The figure below shows the transmission,absorption,and reflection of radiation from various sources.In which layer (of the three layers labeled A,B,and C on the figure)do greenhouse gasses accumulate? 
A) layer A
B) layer B
C) layer C
D) layers A and B

Accepted Answer

The answer of The figure below shows the transmission,absorption,and reflection...

Question 12

If a new form of plankton were to develop that converted CO₂ into oxygen as part of its natural metabolism,what would the likely effect be on global temperature?
A) Global temperature would not rise as fast, because by removing CO₂, the plankton would be removing greenhouse gasses.
B) Global temperature would rise faster because plankton-produced oxygen has a greenhouse effect.
C) Global temperature would not be affected, because both CO₂ and oxygen are greenhouse gasses.
D) Global temperature would decrease because the total content of CO₂ in the atmosphere and hydrosphere would decrease.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a new form of plankton were...

Question 13

Change within the Earth system is unidirectional and cannot be reversed.

Accepted Answer

Change within the Earth system can be reversible depending on the type and scale of the change. Some changes, such as erosion or volcanic eruptions, can be reversed over long periods of time through natural processes. However, other changes, such as extinction of species or depletion of resources, may be irreversible and have long-lasting impacts on the Earth system.

Question 14

Which of the following types of global change is reversible?
A) orogenic uplift
B) melting and crystallization of sedimentary rock to form igneous rock
C) evolution of life on Earth
D) flooding of the continents due to global warming

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following types of global...

Question 15

Which of these is the longest-lasting sink for CO₂?
A) plant tissues and cellulose (the "woody" parts of plants)
B) the atmosphere
C) air bubbles within glacial ice
D) limestones and oil and gas deposits

Accepted Answer

Limestones and oil and gas deposits are the longest-lasting sinks for CO₂, as they can hold on to carbon for millions of years. Plant tissues and cellulose, as well as the atmosphere, only hold on to carbon for much shorter periods of time. Air bubbles within glacial ice can also hold onto carbon for potentially thousands of years, but not as long as limestones and oil and gas deposits.

Question 16

The factors that affect Earth's long-term climate are different from those that affect climate on shorter time scales.

Accepted Answer

Earth's long-term climate is affected by factors such as changes in the Earth's orbit, variations in solar radiation, and the movement of tectonic plates, while shorter-term climate is influenced by factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in atmospheric gases, and human activity.

Question 17

A biogeochemical cycle means the ____________.
A) movement of biogeochemical minerals over time through the rock cycle
B) exchange of chemicals among magmatic and solid-phase systems
C) transitioning and residence of specific chemicals among living and nonliving systems
D) Both a and b are correct.

Accepted Answer

A biogeochemical cycle refers to the movement and transformation of specific chemicals, such as carbon or nitrogen, among living and nonliving systems. It encompasses processes such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, decomposition, and nutrient uptake by plants. It is distinct from the rock cycle (choice A) and magmatic and solid-phase systems (choice B), which are related to the formation and transformation of rocks and minerals.

Question 18

Which of the following processes removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
A) respiration (breathing) of animals
B) burning of coal and other fossil fuels
C) volcanism
D) photosynthesis

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis is the process where plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. This process helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Choices A, B, and C all release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Question 19

The hydrologic cycle includes which of these?
A) changes in the storage of H₂O within glaciers
B) increased fluxes of methane (CH₄) into the atmosphere
C) changes in the net storage of H₂O within the bodies and tissues of all living things
D) Both a and b are correct.

Accepted Answer

The hydrologic cycle refers to the movement and storage of water on and below the Earth's surface. Changes in the storage of water within glaciers are an important part of this cycle, as they can affect the availability of water downstream and contribute to sea level rise.

Option B is incorrect because increased fluxes of methane into the atmosphere are not related to the hydrologic cycle. Option C is also incorrect because the net storage of water within living things is not a significant component of the hydrologic cycle.

Question 20

Which is the most correct statement about the hydrologic cycle and the carbon cycle?
A) Both deal primarily with phase changes.
B) Both deal primarily with chemical changes.
C) Both include both organic and inorganic processes.
D) Only the hydrologic cycle includes volcanic activity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is the most correct statement about...

Quiz 19: Global Change in the Earth System

Assume that a new family of bacteria species evolves and becomes widespread,and that it rapidly and easily combines atmospheric oxygen with previously stable minerals.What would you reconsider about the oxygenation of the atmosphere several billion years ago?

The formation of oil shale deposits,coals,and limestones has what overall effect on CO₂ in the Earth's atmosphere?

The figure below shows a variety of processes that are part of the global carbon cycle.Which of the following three chemicals besides CO₂ are shown as part of the carbon cycle?

Cyclical global change includes the formation of core,mantle,and crust from a homogeneous mixture,a state to which one day Earth will return.

Nearly all biological,physical,and chemical systems on Earth are disconnected and can be effectively studied in isolation from each other.

Pollen species cannot be used to interpret ancient environments because most species inhabit all environments.

Global warming has caused Earth to become warmer in the last few decades than it has ever been in geologic history.

Based on information in this chapter and the chapter on energy,what effect do you think the discovery of several more centuries of oil reserves would probably end up having on global climate?

How are bicarbonate and carbon dioxide related to one another?

The figure below shows the transmission,absorption,and reflection of radiation from various sources.In which layer (of the three layers labeled A,B,and C on the figure) do greenhouse gasses accumulate?

If a new form of plankton were to develop that converted CO₂ into oxygen as part of its natural metabolism,what would the likely effect be on global temperature?

Change within the Earth system is unidirectional and cannot be reversed.

Which of the following types of global change is reversible?

Which of these is the longest-lasting sink for CO₂?

The factors that affect Earth's long-term climate are different from those that affect climate on shorter time scales.

A biogeochemical cycle means the ____________.

Which of the following processes removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

The hydrologic cycle includes which of these?

Which is the most correct statement about the hydrologic cycle and the carbon cycle?