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 series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, primarily through photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

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.

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

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, primarily carried out by certain bacteria.

Front

Where do nitrogen-fixing bacteria primarily reside?

Back

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are primarily found in the roots of legumes.

Front

What is a limiting nutrient?

Back

A limiting nutrient is a nutrient that is in short supply and limits the growth of organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

Which nutrient is often considered a limiting nutrient in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Phosphorus is often considered a limiting nutrient in aquatic ecosystems.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the movement of water, usually from precipitation, across the land surface and into bodies of water.

Front

What is percolation?

Back

Percolation is the process by which water moves downward through soil and rock layers, filtering and replenishing groundwater.