Cycle of Matter

Front

What are biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Biogeochemical cycles are processes that describe how water, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus move from the physical environment to living organisms.

Front

What must happen for materials in biogeochemical cycles to be recycled?

Back

Materials must change states and transform.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposers break down dead plants and animals into raw elements, which can be absorbed by plants and passed on to animals.

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

Ammonification is the production of ammonia by bacteria during the decay of organic matter.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas, which is released back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas is converted into ammonia by certain bacteria, making nitrogen available to plants.

Front

What is assimilation in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Assimilation is the process by which plants and animals incorporate nutrients from the environment into their bodies.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria play crucial roles in the nitrogen cycle, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.