Biogeochemical Cycles Spencer

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 evaporation in the water cycle?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation in the water cycle?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

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

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia or related compounds in soil, making nitrogen available to plants.

Front

Which organisms need nitrogen to survive?

Back

All living things, including plants, animals, and bacteria, need nitrogen to survive.

Front

What is the significance of the phosphorus cycle?

Back

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