Oxygen, Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living things in an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Abiotic factors are nonliving things in an ecosystem, such as water, air, soil, and sunlight.

Front

What happens to nitrogen when organisms die and decay?

Back

Their nitrogen returns to the soil, enriching it for future plant growth.

Front

What is the role of water in ecosystems?

Back

Water is an abiotic factor essential for the survival of all living organisms.

Front

What happens to carbon when fossil fuels are burned?

Back

Most of the carbon quickly enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Front

What process do organisms use to release carbon dioxide?

Back

Organisms release carbon dioxide gas through a process called respiration.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Front

How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?

Back

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, helping to regulate carbon levels.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in ecosystems?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting new plant growth.