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Questions and Answers
What is a biogeochemical cycle?
What is a biogeochemical cycle?
A _____________________ is a chemical substance that organisms require to live.
A _____________________ is a chemical substance that organisms require to live.
Nutrient
The ______________________ cycle is not a nutrient cycle.
The ______________________ cycle is not a nutrient cycle.
Water
Identify the nutrients described below.
Identify the nutrients described below.
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A ______________________ serves as a long-term storage area for water or nutrients.
A ______________________ serves as a long-term storage area for water or nutrients.
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Which of the following is a reservoir for carbon and nitrogen, but not phosphorus?
Which of the following is a reservoir for carbon and nitrogen, but not phosphorus?
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Identify the following terms associated with the water cycle.
Identify the following terms associated with the water cycle.
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Which cycle is being described: Bacteria in the soil converts this nutrient into a usable form. Plants take up the usable nutrient through the soil and assimilate it into proteins, making it part of the plant.
Which cycle is being described: Bacteria in the soil converts this nutrient into a usable form. Plants take up the usable nutrient through the soil and assimilate it into proteins, making it part of the plant.
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Identify the following terms that are associated with the nitrogen cycle.
Identify the following terms that are associated with the nitrogen cycle.
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Identify which molecule or element is described below.
Identify which molecule or element is described below.
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Identify a risk for accessing carbon from fossil fuels.
Identify a risk for accessing carbon from fossil fuels.
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Study Notes
Biogeochemical Cycles
- A biogeochemical cycle recycles elements and other matter through the biosphere.
- Essential processes include nutrient cycles such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus.
Nutrients
- Nutrients are chemical substances required by organisms for survival.
Water Cycle
- The water cycle is distinct from nutrient cycles and involves processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Key Nutrients
- Phosphorus: Key for organic compounds, nucleic acids, and ATP formation.
- Nitrogen: Most abundant gas in the atmosphere; absorbed by plants through soil bacteria.
- Carbon: Utilized by plants during photosynthesis, present in all living organisms.
Reservoirs
- Reservoirs serve as long-term storage areas for water or nutrients.
- The atmosphere acts as a reservoir for carbon and nitrogen but not for phosphorus.
Water Cycle Processes
- Condensation: Water vapor changes from gas to liquid.
- Precipitation: Water falls back to Earth in solid or liquid form.
- Evaporation: Liquid water changes into vapor.
- Transpiration: Water evaporates from plant leaves.
Nitrogen Cycle
- The nitrogen cycle involves the transformation of nitrogen through various processes:
- Nitrification: Bacteria convert ammonia to nitrates.
- Denitrification: Bacteria convert nitrates to nitrogen gas.
- Nitrogen fixation: Bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.
Limiting Nutrients
- Water and carbon are not considered limiting nutrients.
- Nitrogen and phosphorus are identified as limiting nutrients crucial for ecosystem productivity.
Key Elements and Molecules
- Carbon is fundamental to all organic compounds.
- Phosphorus is vital for bones and cell membranes.
- Nitrogen is a key component of proteins.
- Water is termed the universal solvent due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
Carbon and Fossil Fuels
- Carbon stored in fossil fuels is isolated from the natural carbon cycle, posing environmental risks when accessed.
- Uncertainty exists regarding the atmosphere's ability to manage excess carbon from fossil fuel utilization.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on biogeochemical cycles and how they operate within the biosphere with these flashcards. Each card presents a question that focuses on the processes of recycling elements and matter. Perfect for anyone studying environmental science or biology.