Biochemical Cycles / Ecology Drawings
Part I
Draw the following using the textbook or the internet as a resource (2 project grades):
Water Cycle
Phosphorous Cycle
Carbon Cycle
A Food Chain
Nitrogen Cycle
A Food Web
Pyramid of Numbers
Pyramid of Mass
Pyramid of Energy
Note: The key terms listed below must be included in the appropriate biochemical cycles that you draw
Part II
Answer these questions
1) Name and define each of the following transitions of the water cycle:
1. Evaporation
4. Runoff
2. Transpiration
5. Condensation
3. Precipitation
2) Explain how each of the following causes carbon to cycle through the Earth:
1. Human Activity (Burning of fossil fuels /
6. Erosion / Weathering
Combustion)
7. Feeding
2. Volcanic Activity
8. Settling of the soil
3. Photosynthesis
9. Deposition of Carbon
4. Cellular Respiration
10. Fossilization
5. Decomposition
11. Uplift
3) Explain how each of the following causes nitrogen to cycle through the Earth:
1. Nitrogen fixation
4. Feeding
2. Nitrifying bacteria
5. Decomposition / Amonification
3. Root uptake of nutrients
6. Denitrification
4) What is the ultimate source of energy for all of earth’s systems?
5) Does Earth have its own internal source of energy? If yes, explain how it is produced. If not, explain why Earth
cannot have its own internal source or energy.
6) Looking at information on Ecological pyramids, answer the following questions:
1. In ecological pyramids, how much percent of the energy, mass, and numbers are transfer from one
trophic level to the next?
2. Where does the rest of the energy go?
3. Why do the numbers of specimens decrease as you go up the levels?
4. Why is there less mass as you go up the levels?
Part III (EC)
Write a one-page paper on the importance of proper stewardship of the environment. Discuss how human can
positively and negatively affect the environment. Suggest ways we can help society be more aware of environmental
issues.
Water Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Phosphorus Cycle
Food Chain
Energy Pyramid
Food Web
Biomass Pyramid
Pyramid of Numbers