Intro Biogeochemical Cycles and Biomes

Front

What is assimilation in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Assimilation is the process by which plants take up nitrates from the soil into their roots to synthesize proteins.

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is biomagnification?

Back

Biomagnification is the phenomenon where toxins accumulate in higher concentrations in organisms at higher trophic levels within an ecosystem.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and use it, along with sunlight, to produce glucose.

Front

What are the two processes through which water enters the atmosphere?

Back

Transpiration and evaporation are the two processes through which water enters the atmosphere.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb and use, often facilitated by certain bacteria.

Front

What is nitrification?

Back

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrates by bacteria in the soil, making nitrogen available to plants.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.

Front

What is the role of decomposition in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots and then released as vapor through pores in leaves.