Cycles of Matter

Front

What is another name for evaporation of water through the leaves of plants?

Back

Transpiration

Front

Why must nitrogen fixation take place?

Back

Atmospheric nitrogen is unusable to plants and animals.

Front

How have humans affected the phosphorus cycle?

Back

By using fertilizers on plants.

Front

What is the process by which a gas changes to a liquid?

Back

Condensation

Front

What is the overall purpose of photosynthesis?

Back

To use energy from the sun to produce food for the plant.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Front

Define nitrogen fixation.

Back

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the nutrient cycle?

Back

They break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Front

Explain the term 'biogeochemical cycle'.

Back

A cycle that describes the movement of elements and compounds through living organisms and the environment.