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Questions and Answers
What is the primary process through which carbon is cycled in the environment?
What is the primary process through which carbon is cycled in the environment?
How do decomposers contribute to the nitrogen cycle?
How do decomposers contribute to the nitrogen cycle?
What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?
What role do nitrifying bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?
Which of the following cycles involves the conversion of liquid water to water vapor?
Which of the following cycles involves the conversion of liquid water to water vapor?
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Which organisms are primarily responsible for denitrification in the nitrogen cycle?
Which organisms are primarily responsible for denitrification in the nitrogen cycle?
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What is the significance of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?
What is the significance of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?
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What do plants primarily require nitrogen for?
What do plants primarily require nitrogen for?
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How does transpiration contribute to the water cycle?
How does transpiration contribute to the water cycle?
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Study Notes
Cycles of Materials
- Ecosystems show cyclical changes around a state of approximate equilibrium.
- Materials (especially carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen) must be recycled and reused between the living and nonliving environment.
Carbon-Oxygen Cycle
- Carbon dioxide and water molecules used in photosynthesis to form energy-rich organic compounds are returned to the environment when these compounds are broken down by cells (respiration) to release energy.
Water Cycle (Hydrogen, Oxygen)
- Water moves between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere.
- Liquid water turns into water vapor (gas) by evaporation and transpiration.
- Water vapor gathers in clouds and returns as precipitation (condensation).
Nitrogen Cycle
- Plants get nitrogen from the soil.
- Nitrogen is needed by all living things because it is part of the structure of amino acids and proteins.
- Plants are eaten by animals.
- Dead plants, animals, and wastes are recycled in the soil by decomposers (bacteria, fungi/mushrooms).
- Ammonia is converted into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.
- Bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia (nitrogen fixation).
- Other soil bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas (denitrification).
Bacteria in Ecosystems
- Bacteria play an essential role in the flow of materials in an ecosystem.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste into simpler substances, releasing nutrients back into the environment.
- Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates, which can be used by plants.
- Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, making nitrogen available to plants.
Roles of Organisms in Ecosystems
- Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients.
- Autotrophs, like plants, produce their own food through photosynthesis.
- Secondary consumers eat other consumers.
- Abiotic factors are non-living components of the ecosystem, like water, temperature, and sunlight.
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Description
Explore the intricate processes of material cycles within ecosystems, focusing on the carbon-oxygen, water, and nitrogen cycles. Understand how these cycles contribute to the equilibrium of living and nonliving environments, emphasizing the importance of recycling resources.
