Biogeochemical Cycles

What is the primary role of carbon in the carbon cycle?

• To provide energy for cellular activities

• To form carbohydrates during photosynthesis

• To decompose organic matter

• To create fossil fuels

Explain how human activities have disrupted the carbon cycle.

During photosynthesis, plants use carbon from ___ to make carbohydrates.

Which process in the nitrogen cycle involves bacteria converting nitrogen gas into ammonia?

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

• Nitrogen fixation

• Ammonification

Discuss the symbiotic relationship between legumes and Rhizobia bacteria.

The process by which decomposers break down dead organisms and return carbon to the environment is called ___.

What is eutrophication and how does it affect aquatic ecosystems?

Copy the Venn diagram on page 6 to your notebook to compare and contrast the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Add 3–5 responses that show how each cycle is different, and 3–5 responses that show how the cycles are similar. Be sure to include consequences that result from human activities or other disruptions.

• Done

• Not yet