Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

What are biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Biogeochemical cycles are natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to organisms and back to the environment.

Front

Name the main biogeochemical cycles.

Back

The main biogeochemical cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and water cycle.

Front

Where is carbon stored in the environment?

Back

Carbon is stored in fossil fuels, wood of trees, and calcium carbonate (shells and bones).

Front

What is the process of photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Front

What are the products of cellular respiration?

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The products of cellular respiration are carbon dioxide, water, and usable energy (ATP).

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process by which free nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into nitrogen compounds, such as ammonia, by certain bacteria.

Front

What is free nitrogen?

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Free nitrogen is nitrogen that is not combined with other elements and is found in the atmosphere as a gas.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for plants.

Front

How does human activity impact the carbon cycle?

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Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, disrupting the natural carbon cycle.

Front

What is the significance of the phosphorus cycle?

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The phosphorus cycle is important for the growth of plants and animals, as phosphorus is a key component of DNA, RNA, and ATP.