Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

What are biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Biogeochemical cycles are natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to living organisms and back to the environment.

Front

What role do decomposers play in nutrient cycling?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What are the six key elements that cycle between living and non-living organisms?

Back

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur.

Front

How do humans negatively impact nutrient cycles?

Back

Humans can negatively impact nutrient cycles by using excessive amounts of fertilizer.

Front

What is the approximate ratio of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus found in mature savanna plants?

Back

The approximate ratio is 10:3:1.

Front

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.

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.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.

Front

What is the phosphorus cycle?

Back

The phosphorus cycle is the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.