Biogeochemical cycles

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

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.

Front

How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?

Back

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and release oxygen.

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 it available for plants.

Front

Why is nitrogen important for living organisms?

Back

Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

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

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What is runoff in the context of the water cycle?

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Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and can carry nutrients into streams and rivers.

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What is leaching?

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Leaching is the process by which soluble substances are washed out from the soil, often carrying nutrients into groundwater or surface water.

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How does cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle?

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Cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy.

Front

What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by fixing nitrogen, decomposing organic matter, and converting ammonia into nitrates.