Earth's Environmental

Earth 's Environmental

SystemsLab Manual

Chapter 3

N a m e

Per iod

TEACHER

N A M E

Directions: Read the categories below and then read the Case Study. As you read, fill in the table. Youmust have at least TWO terms in the vocabulary box and a clear thought/explanation In each of theother boxes.

THE GULF OF MEXICO'S DEAD ZONE PAGE 63

S E E M S

I M P O R T A N T T O

M E

S O M E T H I N G I

D O N ' T

U N D E R S T A N D

S O M E T H I N G I

DON'T AGREEW I T H

WORDS/TERMST H AT S E E M

I M P O R T A N T

S O M E T H I N G E L S E

W A N T T O TA L K

A B O U T

D O N O W

PUT THE FOLLOWINS STEPS OF THE CREATION OF A DEAD ZONE IN ORDER

. L A R 6 E P O P U L AT I O N S O F P L A N K T O N D I E

. FARMERS USE FERTILIZERS ON CROPS

. T H E R I V E R D R A I N S I N T O T H E G U L F

. RAIN AND/OR SNOW FLOWS OVER THE LAND AND CARRY NUTRIENTS WITHIT TO A RIVER (RUN-OFF)

• THE CHEMICAL REACTION OF DECOMPOSTION TAKES OXYGEN OUT OF THEW A T E R

• PLANKTON POPULATIONS INCREASES RAPIDLY. A DEAD ZONE DEPLETED OF OXYGEN FORMS KILLILNG FISH AND OTHER

A N I M A L S

7

N a m e C l a s s D a t e

Inquiry Activity • Paper and Pencil

Chapter 3 Effects of CO2 Ofi PlantsProblem Does increased atmospheric CO2 affect stomatal activity in plants?

How Plants Exchange Material with the AtmosphereDuring photosynthesis, plants take in CO2 and release oxygen through tiny porescalled stomata located on the underside of leaves. These pores are also where theplant releases excess water vapor. When stomata open, carbon dioxide enters theplant, and oxygen and water vapor are released. When stomata close, gas exchangeand water loss stop. This is a trade-off; a plant whose stomata are closed toconserve water cannot get needed CO2, while a plant whose stomata are wide openand taking in a lot of CO2 will lose more water.

Plants and CO2 LevelsScientists have shown conclusively that the dramatic rise in atmospheric CO2concentration is linked to rising global temperatures. The concentration of CO2 inthe atmosphere was 385 ppm in 2007, up 10% since 1985. Though many peopleview climate change with alarm, some consider high atmospheric CO2 asbeneficial, stating that the excess CO2 will increase rates of photosynthesis andcause plants and crops to grow larger and faster. Some have even predicted thatincreased plant growth will remove enough excess CO2 to slow down globalwarming.Elevated CO2 and Stomatal ActivityOne way to estimate CO2 uptake activity is by measuring stomatal width inleaves exposed to different levels of CO2. In this exercise, you will predictwhether increased CO2 concentrations will affect the amount of stomatal opening

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in plants. You then will graph and analyze data showing stomatal sizes in plantsexposed to different levels of atmospheric CO2.

1. Predict the effect, if any, of elevated atmospheric CO2 on stomatal width.

K - - -

f D a t a T a b l e

CO2 Concentration(ppm)

Stomatal Aperture Width(pm)

0 2 . 6 3

3 8 5 2 . 2 1

8 0 0 1 . 6 7

2. Using data from the table above, draw a bar graph in the space below.

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3. Analyze Data What happened to stomatal aperture width as CO2 levels increased?

4. Interpret Graphs At what CO2 concentration was stomatal aperture widthat its greatest? Lowest?

5. Draw Conclusions Does the data suggest that stomata open wider or getnarrower as CO2 levels rise? Do you think this benefits or harms the plant?What would happen to the relative amount of gas exchange and water loss inthis situation? Explain your reasoning.

6. Relate Cause and Effect Increased atmospheric CO2 is linked to warmerair temperatures. How might warming air affect water availability? Howwould the change in water availability affect plant growth in the long term?

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7. Extension Based on your observations and analysis of the data, predicthow increased atmospheric CO2 levels might affect crop growth andagriculture in the future.

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5

Properties of WaterWhat Makes Water So Special?

Why?When you hear that NASA's space probes are looking for "evidence of life" on other planers, do you knowwhat that means? They are looking for evidence of liquid water. Water is fundamental for all life; withoutit every living thing would die. Water covers about 70% of Earths surface and it makes up 65-75% of ourbodies (82% of our blood is water). Even if water might seem boring to you—no color, taste, or smell—ithas amazing properties that make it necessary for supporting life.

Model 1 — The Molecular Structure of Water

Electron density model of HÔ

1. How many hydrogen atoms are in a molecule of water?

2. How many oxygen atoms are in a molecule of water?

3. What holds the hydrogen atoms to the oxygen atom?

4. The shading around the molecule represents the relative density of electrons shared by the atoms.What does this indicate about the density of electrons around the oxygen atom as compared tothe density of electrons around the hydrogen atoms?

5. Where is the majority of negative charge on the water molecule?

Properties of Water

Model 2 - Attraction of Water Molecules

\ / > V •Weak at t ract ion

6. Looking at your answers to Questions 1 and 2 from Model 1, tell what atoms are represented by:a. The small, unshaded circles in Model 2.

b. The larger gray shaded circles in Model 2.

7. What do the solid lines between the small and large circles represent?

8. According to Model 2, what is represented by the dotted lines?

9. Remember that electrons in a water molecule are more dense around the oxygen atom and lessdense around the hydrogen atoms.a. What kind of charge would the oxygen atom have compared to the hydrogen atoms?

b. What kind of charge would the hydrogen atoms have compared to the oxygen?

10. Describe the arrangement of the water molecules in Model 2 with one another.

11. Describe the cause of the attractions between molecules of water.

12. If another water molecule was added to the group in Model 2 at the upper right side, which ofits atoms would be connected to the existing molecule with a dotted line? Describe your groupsreasoning.

2 POGIL™ Activities for High School Biology

Read This!The bonding electrons in some molecules are not equally shared between the atoms. These neutralmolecules with a difference of charge across the molecule are called polar molecules. Because of thearrangement of the atoms and electrons in a water molecule, there are two differently charged areas of themolecule even though the molecule is neutral overall. The hydrogen molecules are slightly positive, whilethe oxygen is slightly negative. The positive area charge (hydrogen) of one water molecule is attractedto the negative area (oxygen) of a different water molecule. This weak attraction is often referred to ashydrogen bonding.

13. In the space below, draw 10 water molecules to create a cluster. Be sure to indicate the hydrogenbonds that link the water molecules.

%

Properties of Water 3

Extension Questions14. Other polar molecules include nucleic acids and some proteins.

Look at the DNA sketch provided and predict how the twostrands are attracted to one another.

Hydrogen bonds

15. Some molecules that are covalently bonded do not have a difference in charge across the molecule. These molecules are referred to as nonpolar. What arrangement of electrons would resultin a nonpolar molecule?

16. Some examples of nonpolar molecules include fats, oils, and waxes. How do these substancesinteract wi th water?

17. What prediction would you make about why oil and water interact in the way described above?


Name Date

QuizWa t e r C y c l e

True or False? Circle T or F

1. Earth, anci everything In it, uses the same water over and over again. T or F

2. Evaporation is when water vapor falls to the Earth's surface. T or F

3. Water vapor gains energy when it condenses. T or F

4. During collection, water flows to rivers and oceans. T or F

5. The energy that powers the water cycle comes mostly from the sun. T or F

Multiple Choice: Circle the letter of the best answer.6. Which of the following best describes how water evaporates?

A Water molecules that move with higher energy evaporate firstB Water must be heated to 100° C to evaporate

C Water molecules that are cooled evaporateD N o n e o f t h e a b o v e

7. Clouds form by the condensation of:

A Water vapor

8. Which of the following is a form of precipitation?

A R a i n

B S n o w

C H a i l

D A l l o f t h e s e

B D u s t o r d i r t

C H e a t

D R a i n

Nutrient CyclesHow are nutrients recycled through ecosystems?

Why?We have learned the importance of recycling our trash. It allows us to use something again for anotherpurpose and prevents the loss of natural resources. But what happens to the waste in nature? Why aren'twe up to our necks in natural refuse? Why is there always a supply of water? Why is there oxygen tobreathe and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis? Organic compounds in nature are also recycled. Thisrecycling process converts the complex organic compounds to simple, inorganic compounds, whichthen can be returned to nature to be used again and again.

Model 1 - The Water Cycle

1. Model 1 illustrates how nature recycles what natural resource?

2. Model 1 illustrates four major areas of water storage on Earth. Complete the list of these storageareas below.

A t m o s p h e r e , s u r f a c e w a t e r , , a n d .3. Where is groundwater stored?

Nutrient Cycles 1

4. Name two processes in Model 1 in which water is converted to vapor.

5. Describe two methods by which water on land (in lakes and rivers) returns to the oceans.

6. Rain, sleet, and snow are examples of what?

7. If the air contains high levels of pollutants, what effect might this have on water quality?

8. Which process(es) of the water cycle—^precipitation, evaporation, condensation, runoff,percolation or transpiration—might contribute to the addition of pollutants to rivers, lakes, andoceans? Why?

9. Which of the processes associated with the water cycle might be responsible for helping to cleanor filter the water?

10. The water cycle is a closed system, meaning no water enters from beyond the system nor leavesthe system. What does that say about the importance of keeping the water on Earth free frompollution?


Qi-bon Cyc e

M 1 &Nitrate fixing Decay bacteriab a c t e r i a i n s o i l

N i t r a t e s

T ' V = » » r -

Carbon is an extremely common element on earth and can be found in all four major spheres of theplanet: biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

Carbon is part of both the living and non-living parts of the planet, as a component In organisms,atmospheric gases, water, and rocks. The carbon contained In any of the planet's spheres does notremain there forever. Instead, it moves from one sphere to another in an ongoing process known as thecarbon cycle.

The carbon cycle is extremely important on earth as it influences crucial life processes such asphotosynthesis and respiration, contributes to fossil fuel formation, and impacts the earth's climate.

Part 1: Go to the following website and read about the carbon cycle and answer the questions;http://www.windows.ucar.edu/cqi-bin/tour def/earth/Water/co2 cycle.html

1. Where is carbon found on the earth?

1

2. Carbon moves from,a .

b.

c .

d.

e .

f .

3. Play the Carbon game. Go to this game linkhttp7/www.windows2univer5e.orq/earth/climate/carbon cycle.html Answer the followingquestions when you are in the particular areas: atmosphere, plants, surface ocean, deep ocean,marine life and soil.

a. Atmosphere• What percentage of the atmosphere is made of carbon? %• T h e m o r e C O 2 i n t h e a t m o s p h e r e m a k e s o u r p l a n e t .

b. Land Plants• What is the process by which plants make the nutrition it needs?• What is the method by which plants release carbon into atmosphere?

c. Soi l• What is the name of the part of the soil that is made of decaying plants and

animals?• What percentage of carbon is stored in the soil? %

d. Surface Ocean• True/False; The ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide than the land.

e . Mar ine L i fe• Phytoplankton absorbs the carbon in the ocean to make their nutrition through the

p r o c e s s o f .

f. Deep Ocean• List two ways the deep ocean gets carbon.

a n d .• How much carbon does the deep ocean contain? %

2

g. How many stops can you make on your trip? _

h. Will your journey ever end?i. Was everyone's journey the same? Why not?

j. What would happen to the Carbon Cycle if we increase our burning of fossil fuels?

3

Model 2 - The Carbon Cycle

A u t o a n d

factorye m i s s i o n s

C a r b o n S i n k(coal, oil, peat, natural gas)


12. Name two ways that carbon (usually in the form of CO,) enters the atmosphere.

13. Process D on the diagram uses CO2 from the atmosphere.a. Label D on the diagram in Model 2 with the name of this process.b. What organisms carry out the process identified in part d^.

14. Wastes and dead organisms must be broken down in order for their components to be usedagain.a. What organisms in the cycle carry out this process?

b. What would happen if decomposition did not occur?

Nutrient Cycles 3

15. Not all dead organisms are acted on by decomposers. Instead of being immediately recycled, thecarbon from some organisms is kept in a type of long-term storage, or carbon sink. Using Model2, answer the questions below about this long-term storage.a. List four materials that contain this stored carbon.

b. What is the collective term for these four materials?

c. How do humans use the materials in the carbon sink?

d. What is the scientific name for the process listed in part ci

16. List five examples of combustion in your everyday life.

17. How is the majority of electricity generated in the area where you live? Does the process involvethe combustion of coal? Check with your teacher if you are not sure.

18. Many of the carbon-based fuels are categorized as fossil fuels because they formed from decayedorganisms over millions of years. List as many examples of fossil fuels as you can.

)19. How does our use of these carbon stores affect the amount of CO, in the atmosphere?

Read This!Carbon dioxide (CO ) is one of the so-called greenhouse gases. These gases hold heat energy in theatmosphere, which raises the overall temperature of the Earth. This helps maintain the Earths biosphere,but also has led to environmental concerns. The more CO^ in the atmosphere, the higher the Earthsaverage temperature will be.

20. What is another way in which human activity is increasing the amount of atmospheric COj, andwhat are potential global effects of these changes in COj levels?


student Activity Sheet #3

ANALYSIS AND COMPREHENSION

P A R T I1. What does the diagram of the CO2 -O2 cycle Illustrate?

2. Why could you say that this cycle is In "balance"?.

3. Name 3 sources of carbon dioxide.

4. What are some sources of oxygen?

5. What role does carbon dioxide play in plant life processes?

6. What process in animal cells requires oxygen?

7. If all the vegetation in the pond died, what effect would it have on theanimals? Why?

8. If the reverse happened, how would the aquatic plants be affected?

10. Why is the burning of fossil fuels a concern for scientists?

12. What problem could this create for life on Earth?

PART I I :

1. What is the source of energy behind the carbon cycle?

2. What is the food-producing process in plats?

3. Write the chemical equation for this process?

4. What substance is the byproduct of this process?

5. Why could you soy that plants are a sink for carbon?

6. What happens to the carbon stored in the plants when they die?

7. Which greenhouse gas is given off during decomposition?

8. How have humans added excess amounts of this gas to the atmosphere?

9. What other human activity is over-loading the carbon cycle?

10. Where does the C in fossil fuels come from? —

11. How have humans caused an imbalance in the carbon cycle?

C A R B O N C Y C L E S U M M A R Y

MAKE A LIST OF 8 SPECIFIC WAYS CARBON GETS INTO THE ATMOSPHERE

SUMMARIZE-THERE ARE MANY MORE WAYS CARBON ENTERS THE ATMOSPHERE THAN EXITS IT!PHOTOSYNTHESIS BY PLANTS IS HOW CARBON EXITS THE ATMOSPHERE (OVER LAND OR WATER).

I N F O R M AT I O N P I E C E S

P A R T I :

Carbon dioxide used by plants Carbon dioxide given off by animals

Oxygen used by animals Oxygen given off by plants

Carbon dioxide given off bydecaying organic matter

Oxygen from photosynthesis availableto animals

COz from respiration available to plants

PA R T I I :

In the process of photosynthesis, plants take inCOz, water and sunlight and give O" Oz, keepingthe carbon as part of the carbohydrates they needfor growth ond repair:

CO2 + H2O + sunlight -> C6Hi206 + 02These carbohydrates are a rich store of energy.

Cool and oil hove been the basic fuels used by thedeveloped nations to build their businesses andindustries and a high standard of living. All of thecarbon stored in them is released during burning,forming COz with the O2 in the air. Some goesback into the Earth's carbon reservoirs; theexcess enters the atmosphere.

This energy is used In respiration to break downthe complex carbon compounds to yield COz andwater: C6Hi206 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy.Plants and animals break up the food moleculesand obtain the energy they need for their lifeprocesses. The carbon is stored in their tissuesuntil they die.

CO2 is removed from the air by several naturalprocesses. The fastest uptake is into plantsand the surface layer of the ocean. As aresult of human activities, the carbon cycle isno longer balanced and gases such as COz andCH4 are building up in the atmosphere.

Along with the C02,methane, CH4 is givenoff to the air during decomposition. Itsconcentration has risen as a result ofhuman activities such as agriculture andwaste disposal. CPU levels have increasedby 145% over the post 150 years.

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Traveling Nitrogen PassportD i r e c t i o n s ;1. Stamp your start location in the space below.

N a m e :

Guess whatl in this game you are a nitrogenatom. You are going to travel the nitrogen cyclestopping in many exciting locations - some of .which you probably never have been to before.

For each stop along your journey, remember torecord where you went and how you got there.

Here's an example of how toalong the way:

out each stop

2 .

3 .

Roll the die to find out where to go next Write How Itraveled in the Trip #1 box below (see example at right).Go to that location in the room and stamp the Trip#1 WhereI went box. Then, roll the die to find out where to go next

Trip#1;How 1 traveled: Where 1 went

Fer tAfzerw a s h e dinto, stream

Trip#1:How 1.traveled:tJiemfo'-l

Where 1 went:

Stamp above

Trip #2: How I traveled: Where 1 went:

Stamp above

Trip #3:How 1 traveled: W h e r e 1 w e n t :

Stamp above

Trip #4:How 1 traveled: W h e r e I w e n t

Stamp above

Trip #5:How 1 traveled: Where 1 went:

Srnmp above

Trip #6:How I traveled: Where 1 went:

Stamp above


Stamp above


Stamp above© 2007 UDiversic7 Corporarion for AnnospheticBjseaidiAIlIU^BReserved

Model 3 - The Nitrogen Cycle

Further nitrification bynitrifying baceria

N i t r i t e s ' ' i > N i t r a t e sA

Denitrification bydenitrifying baceria

_ Q «

C p aO ^

"55 .S

Z c

AtmosphericNitrogen

(N,):

Absorption byroots of non-legume plants

Feedingr tX

U Scua oo

Decomposition(by fungi, bacteria, and worms)

^N-fixing bacteria(Found in root nodules

of legumes)c

C Oo

Ammonia and other

N-containingcompounds in soil


22. Name three types of bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle.

Read Th is !

VN-fixing bacteria

Nitrification is a process by which specific bacteria convert different forms of N-containing compounds(like ammonia, NH ) in the soil to nitrites (NO2) and nitrates (NO ). This process is important since theonly forms of nitrogen that are usable by plants to build their proteins are the nitrates.

23. In what ways is N gas removed from the atmosphere?

24. By what process are animal wastes and dead organisms converted to other nitrogen-containingcompounds?

Nutrient Cycles

25. What is the only form of nitrogen that nonlegume plants can take in and use?

26. What do the denitrifying bacteria do during the denitrifying process?

127. If the number of nitrifying bacteria decreased, what effect would this have on the nitrogen cycleand what type of compounds would accumulate as a result?


start the nitrogen cycle with nitrogen gas in the atmosphere. Place the following steps in order.

Nitrogen gas {N2) in the atmosphere

Denitrifying bacteria decompose living things and release N2 back to theatmosphere

Ammonium NH4, leave nodules and enter soil

Nitrogen fixing bacteria on root nodules of legumes change nitrogen gasN2 to ammonium NH4

Plants take in N03-nitrates

Plants make proteins needed to grow with the nitrogen

Bacteria in soil convert NH4 to nitrites N02

Animals get nitrogen by eating plants

Bacteria in soil convert Nitrites N02 into nitrates N03 that plants canu s e

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