Matter Cycles

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What is the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including atmospheric nitrogen, organic nitrogen, and inorganic nitrogen, through biological and physical processes.

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How do plants obtain nitrogen?

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Plants obtain nitrogen primarily from the soil or water, where it is present in forms that they can absorb, such as nitrates.

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How do animals obtain nitrogen?

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Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals that contain nitrogen.

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What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, such as ammonium and nitrates, through a process called nitrogen fixation.

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What is the carbon cycle?

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The carbon cycle is the series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, involving processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.

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How do humans impact the carbon cycle?

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Humans impact the carbon cycle by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

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Where is carbon found in the environment?

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Carbon is found in the atmosphere, in living organisms, in soil, and in oceans.

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What is a carbon reservoir?

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A carbon reservoir is a natural or artificial storage location for carbon, such as forests, oceans, and fossil fuel deposits.

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What are nutrients?

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Nutrients are substances that provide essential nourishment for organisms, necessary for growth, metabolism, and other life processes.

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What does it mean for nutrients to move through cycles?

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Nutrients move through cycles as they are passed between organisms and the environment, returning to organisms after being used.