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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.

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What is the phosphorus cycle?

Back

The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, primarily involving sedimentary rocks.

Front

Why is phosphorus important for living organisms?

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Phosphorus is essential for the production of DNA, RNA, ATP, and cellular membranes.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere refers to all the water on the Earth's surface, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and water vapor.

Front

What are nodules in the context of legumes?

Back

Nodules are swellings on the roots of legumes that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

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What is the main cause of excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies?

Back

Agriculture and household runoff are the primary sources of excess nitrogen and phosphorus entering streams, lakes, and oceans.

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What is the role of decomposition in biogeochemical cycles?

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Decomposition breaks down organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for uptake by plants.

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What is the carbon cycle?

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The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, involving processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

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What is the nitrogen cycle?

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The nitrogen cycle describes the movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms, including processes like nitrogen fixation and denitrification.

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What is eutrophication?

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Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.