Biogeochemical Cycles

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What is a biogeochemical cycle?

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A biogeochemical cycle is a natural process that recycles nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to organisms and back to the environment.

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What are the main components of biogeochemical cycles?

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The main components are biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (air, water, soil) factors.

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What is the carbon cycle?

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The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

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How do animals obtain carbon?

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Animals get the carbon they need by ingestion of plants and animals.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria are essential for processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification in the nitrogen cycle.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH3) or related compounds in soil.

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What is nitrification?

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Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-) by bacteria.

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What is ammonification?

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Ammonification is the process by which decomposers convert organic waste and dead organisms into ammonium (NH4+).

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which nitrates (NO3-) are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2), returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.

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What is photosynthesis?

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Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

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