Bio Ch. 4 Interacting With The Biosphere Review

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What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the transformation and movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. It includes processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

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What role do bacteria in the roots of legumes play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria in the roots of legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, a process known as nitrogen fixation.

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What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

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What is carrying capacity?

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an ecosystem can sustainably support without degrading the environment.

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What is an algae bloom?

Back

An algae bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in water bodies, often due to excess nutrients, leading to decreased oxygen levels and harm to aquatic life.

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What is photosynthesis?

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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.

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What is the significance of free oxygen in the atmosphere?

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Free oxygen is essential for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans, as it is used in cellular respiration to produce energy.

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What is exponential growth?

Back

Exponential growth occurs when the growth rate of a population is proportional to its current size, leading to a rapid increase in numbers under ideal conditions.

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What is logistic growth?

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Logistic growth is a model of population growth that accounts for resource limitations, resulting in a population that grows rapidly at first and then levels off as it approaches carrying capacity.

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What are decomposers?

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Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.