Welcome to the Chapter 3 Test!
Please set up your answer sheet like this:
Name #1
Name #2
Date, Period
Chapter 3 Test
Instructions:
• The test is in the same style as a visual quiz. However, you
get to work at your own pace.
• You can discuss each answer with your table partner.
• Together, you will turn in one set of answers.
• Discuss each answer before writing!
• During the discussion, decide which concepts from the
notes to include in your answer.
• Remember to underline each concept.
• If you can’t whisper, you will work alone.
Good luck, and remember to whisper
when discussing your answers!
1. In the diagram below, atoms cycle back and forth between
the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Explain why atoms are able to cycle.
2. Explain why the carbon and nitrogen cycles are referred to
as “biogeochemical” cycles.
3. Describe the role of chemical reactions in biogeochemical
cycles.
4. Explain why living things need carbon atoms; give a specific
example in your answer.
5. Identify the carbon-containing molecule below, and state
where it is found in the biosphere.
6. Explain how photosynthesis and the formation of carbonic
acid are similar in terms of how they affect the amount of
carbon in the atmosphere.
7. Besides cellular respiration, describe another way that the
carbon in a heterotroph could return to the atmosphere as
CO2.
8. Explain why burning coal in a factory could cause the dieoff of a nearby coral reef.
9. According to climate change experts, the burning of coal is
directly responsible for an increase in global temperature.
a. State the name of this phenomenon
b. Explain why there is a connection between burning
coal and an increase in global temperature
10. Explain why you would not be able to build muscle tissue
on a low-nitrogen diet.
11. The air around us is filled with atmospheric nitrogen.
Explain why most living things are unable to use this form of
nitrogen.
12. Describe the role of prokaryotes in the nitrogen cycle. Be
sure to include scientific vocabulary in your answer.
13. Describe the role of enzymes in nitrogen fixation.
14. In addition to nitrogen fixation, describe another way that
nitrogen enters the soil.
15. A wheat farmer wants to increase his crop production.
Explain why he would plant his fields with beans in between
wheat harvests.
16. Explain why the use of fertilizer on land could cause a
massive fish die-off in the ocean.
17. Explain why food chains are not circular diagrams.
X
18. Assuming the zooplankton in the polar food chain below
have 700 calories:
a. State how many calories the orca has
b. Explain why there are no trophic levels above the
orca
19. Identify the organisms shown below, and describe their
role in ocean food chains.
20. Differentiate between photosynthesis and
chemosynthesis in terms of:
a. the autotrophs that perform these reactions
b. the sources of energy that power these reactions
The diagram below shows a food chain for an ocean
ecosystem.
21. Identify the primary consumer in the food chain, and
defend your answer.
22. According to the food chain, predict what would happen
to the number of large sharks if all the ocean sunfish were
hunted to extinction, and defend your answer.
The diagram below shows a food web for the same ocean
ecosystem.
23. According to the food web, predict what would happen to
the number of large sharks if all the ocean sunfish were
hunted to extinction, and defend your answer.
24. List the 3 tertiary consumers in the dinoflagellate 
shrimp  tuna food chain, and defend your answer.