2. Scientists study bubbles trapped in ancient glacial ice to determine how concentrations of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas have changed over time. However, bubbles in glacial ice cannot provide information about changes in phosphorus. Explain why air samples are not useful for this purpose, and propose an alternative method to study how the amount of phosphorus in a region has changed over time.

2. Scientists study bubbles trapped in ancient glacial ice to determine how concentrations of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas have changed over time. However, bubbles in glacial ice cannot provide information about changes in phosphorus. Explain why air samples are not useful for this purpose, and propose an alternative method to study how the amount of phosphorus in a region has changed over time.

Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap Course List)

14th Edition

ISBN:9781305073951

Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Chapter46: Ecosystems

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 15SQ

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Similar questions

Scientists study bubbles trapped in ancient glacial ice todetermine how concentrations of nitrogen and carbondioxide gas have changed over time. However, bubblesin glacial ice cannot provide information about changesin phosphorus. Explain why air samples are not usefulfor this purpose, and propose an alternative method tostudy how the amount of phosphorus in a region haschanged over time.
Which process moves nutrients from the available organic compartment to the available inorganic compartment? a. respiration b. erosion c. assimilation d. sedimentation e. photosynthesis
Two arctic marine mammals that live in the same waters differ in the level of pollutants in their bodies. Bowhead whales have a lower pollutant load than ringed seals. What are some factors that might explain this difference?
Which of the following materials has a sedimentary cycle? a. water b. oxygen c. nitrogen d. phosphorus e. carbon
The major source of nutrients in the headwaters of a small stream is form: a. dead leaves and other organic matter from adjacent land. b. photosynthesis by phytoplankton. c. photosynthesis by floating aquatic plants. d. the activity of chemoautotrophic bacteria. e. minerals from the underlying bedrock.
Which of the following does not vary predictably with the depth ofthe aquatic environment?a. dissolved oxygen b. temperature c. penetration by sunlight d. salinity
Which element(s) has/have an inorganic reservoir that existsprimarily in sedimentary deposits?a. nitrogen b. phosphorus c. sulfur d. both b and c
2. How will global warming affect the proportions of the Earth’s water that resides in the oceans?
1) Identify the air pollutant you have chosen. a) What is the chemical composition of that pollutant? b) Is this air pollutant a primary or secondary pollutant? 2) Describe what is the primary source/cause of this air pollutant. Where does this air pollutant typically occur, i.e. does it occur in a specific geographic area or part of the atmosphere, or is it widespread? 3) Describe what effects do (or potentially do) this air pollutant have on the environment? Distinguish between a) physical effects on the environment/ecosystems and b) effects on living organisms. 4) Describe (be specific for each) what is being done to control this pollutant from the standpoint of a) laws/provisions of the Clean Air Act (or other laws) b) actual efforts to control its emissions.
Researchers with the Canadian Forest Service placedidentical samples of organic material—litter—on the ground in 21 sitesacross Canada. Three years later, they returned to see how much ofeach sample had decomposed.
1) dissolved inorganic carbon such as bicarbonate, is plentiful in the surface ocean. a- In one sentence, what is the biological pump? b- What must happen for dissolved organic carbon to get exported to the deep ocean via the biological pump? Describe at least 2 steps
Thelargest reservoir of phosphorus in most ecosystems is phosphorus:a. inthe atmosphere.b.dissolved in water.c. inrocks and sediments.d.bound in animal tissues.e.bound in plant tissues.