Biogeochemical Cycles Flashcards Chapter 3.4

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Questions and Answers

How does matter move through the biosphere?

Unlike the 1-way of energy, matter is recycled within and between ecosystems.

What are biogeochemical cycles?

The closed loops that allow elements to pass from 1 organism to another and among parts of the biosphere, powered by the flow of energy.

How does the water cycle flow through the biosphere?

Water continuously moves between the oceans, the atmosphere, and land, sometimes outside living organisms and sometimes inside them.

What are nutrients?

The chemical substances that an organism needs to sustain life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the main nutrient cycles?

Every organism needs nutrients to build tissues and carry out life functions. Nutrients pass through organisms and the environment through biogeochemical cycles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 types of processes that cycle matter through the biosphere?

The water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle. Signup and view all the answers

By what 2 processes is water cycled from land to the atmosphere?

Chemical processes and physical processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is nitrogen fixation?

The process in which only certain types of bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia. Signup and view all the answers

What is denitrification?

The process in which only certain types of bacteria obtain energy by converting nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Describe 1 way in which water from the ocean may make 1 complete cycle through the atmosphere and back to the ocean.

Ocean water evaporates into water vapor. Once the droplets become big enough, they fall to Earth's surface as precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

How does nutrient availability relate to the primary productivity of an ecosystem?

If ample sunlight and water are available, the primary productivity of an ecosystem may be limited by the availability of nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Why do living organisms need nutrients?

Every organism needs nutrients to build tissues and carry out life functions. Signup and view all the answers

Based on your knowledge of the carbon cycle, what do you think might happen if humans were to continue to clear and burn vast areas of forests for building?

Eventually we would run out of forests and the air would be very polluted. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limiting nutrient?

The nutrient whose supply limits productivity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a nutrient can be a limiting factor in an ecosystem.

If any nutrient is short in supply, the whole system slows down or stops altogether. Signup and view all the answers

How is fertilizer runoff related to algal booms?

Phosphorous is mined, turned into fertilizer, and applied to crops. Excess may wash into rivers, streams, and the ocean as runoff. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Matter and Energy Flow

Matter is recycled within and between ecosystems, unlike the one-way flow of energy.
Biogeochemical cycles serve as closed loops that facilitate the transfer of elements among organisms and across biospheric components, powered by energy flow.

Water Cycle

Water constantly moves between oceans, the atmosphere, and land, involving both living organisms and the environment.
Ocean water evaporates, transforms into water vapor, and precipitates back to Earth's surface.

Nutrient Importance

Organisms require nutrients to build tissues and perform vital life functions.
Nutrients cycle through biogeochemical processes, with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus being critical for sustaining life.

Types of Matter Cycling Processes

Four major processes cycle matter through the biosphere: the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.

Water Cycling Processes

Water transitions from land to the atmosphere via chemical processes (like evaporation) and physical processes (like transpiration).

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen fixation occurs when specific bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.
Denitrification is the process where certain bacteria convert nitrates back to nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.

Nutrient Availability and Ecosystem Productivity

Primary productivity may be limited by nutrient availability when sunlight and water are abundant.
A limiting nutrient restricts productivity; if it's in short supply, ecosystem functions slow or cease.

Impact of Human Activity

Continuous deforestation and burning for construction could deplete forests, leading to increased air pollution.

Fertilizer Runoff and Algal Blooms

The process of mining phosphorus, converting it to fertilizer, and applying it to crops results in excess runoff into waterways.
This nutrient runoff can provoke algal blooms, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of Chapter 3.4 on the cycles of matter with these flashcards. Understand how matter is recycled in ecosystems and gain insights into various biogeochemical cycles like the water cycle. Test your knowledge and reinforce your understanding of these crucial ecological processes.