Chapter 3 vocabulary

The basic unit of matter; the smallest unit that maintains the chemical properties of an element

• crust

• molecule

• nucleic acid

• core

• atom

An organism that relies on other organisms for energy and nutrients; also called heterotroph

• crust

• nucleic acid

• consumer

• molecule

• core

An organic compound that consists of atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

• carbohydrate

• nucleic acid

• molecule

• crust

• core

The circulation of nutrients through the atmosphere; also called nutrient cycle

• molecule

• nucleic acid

• biogeochemical cycle

• crust

• core

An organic compound combining hydrogen and carbon

• molecule

• nucleic acid

• crust

• hydrocarbon

• core

A sponge-like formation of rock, sand, or gravel that holds water

• Hydrosphere

• Nitrogen fixation

• Eutrophication

• Feedback loop

Fresh water found below Earth's surface

• Hydrosphere

• Nitrogen fixation

• Eutrophication

• Feedback loop

• Groundwater

The principle that states that matter can change form but cannot be created or destroyed

• Protein

• pH

• Condensation

• Lipid

One of the rigid layers of the lithosphere

• Cellular respiration

• Solution

• Nucleus

• Primary producer

• Landform

A large organic molecule; includes proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids

• Cellular respiration

• Solution

• Nucleus

• Primary producer