Cycles of Matter in Ecosystems

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the continuous circulation of nitrogen from the air to the soil to organisms and back to the air or soil.

Front

What is the oxygen-carbon cycle?

Back

The oxygen-carbon cycle explains how all living things use energy and release gases as waste products, involving the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water between Earth's surface and the air, changing from liquid to gas and back to liquid.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process through which a liquid changes into a gas.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What role do plants play in the oxygen-carbon cycle?

Back

Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, which is essential for the oxygen-carbon cycle.

Front

How do animals contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Animals contribute to the nitrogen cycle by excreting waste that contains nitrogen, which is then converted back into usable forms by bacteria in the soil.

Front

What is the importance of the water cycle for ecosystems?

Back

The water cycle is crucial for ecosystems as it provides fresh water for plants and animals, regulates climate, and supports various life processes.