Question

1. how does carbon typically enter plants?

from the sun through chlorophyll
from the air during photosynthesis
from the soil through the roots
from pollinators such as bees
2.
what problem arises from the excessive use of fertilizers which results in excess nitrogen and phosphorous in water systems?
larger aquatic predators such as sharks which deplete fish populations
the disappearance of coral reefs which harbor a large amount of biodiversity
algal blooms which are rapid growths of algae that consume oxygen
increased fossil fuels polluting waterways such as when there is an oil spill
3.
which cycle does not involve a major pathway in which the substance cycles through the atmosphere?
water cycle
carbon cycle
nitrogen cycle
phosphorus cycle
4.

Explanation:

1. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) from the air. Chlorophyll helps in using light energy (from the sun), but the carbon source is air. Roots mainly take up water and minerals. Pollinators are for reproduction - related processes (transfer of pollen).
2. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water systems cause algal blooms. Algae grow rapidly, and when they die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen (in the decomposition process), leading to hypoxic (low - oxygen) conditions. Sharks are not directly related to fertilizer - induced water problems. Coral reef disappearance is more related to factors like ocean acidification (from increased \(CO_2\)) and physical damage. Fossil fuel pollution (like oil spills) is a different type of pollution source.
3. The water cycle involves evaporation (water to atmosphere) and precipitation (water from atmosphere). The carbon cycle has \(CO_2\) moving between the atmosphere (through processes like respiration and photosynthesis). The nitrogen cycle has nitrogen gas (\(N_2\)) in the atmosphere (and processes like nitrogen fixation). The phosphorus cycle mainly occurs in the lithosphere (rocks) and hydrosphere (water in contact with rocks, soil), and does not have a major atmospheric pathway.

Answer:

1. B. From the air during photosynthesis
2. C. Algal blooms which are rapid growths of algae that consume oxygen
3. D. Phosphorus cycle