Nutrient Cycles PDF

Nutrient Cycles The atoms of Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and the Water molecules that make up our bodies today are the same that have been on Earth since life began! Matter is constantly recycled. If substances were not recycled then the ow of energy through a food chain would stop. fl Life...

Nutrient Cycles The atoms of Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and the Water molecules that make up our bodies today are the same that have been on Earth since life began! Matter is constantly recycled. If substances were not recycled then the ow of energy through a food chain would stop. fl Life would cease to exist. The Water Cycle The water cycle moves water from the oceans to land and back again. Most of the water on Earth is in the oceans. Life Is Based On Carbon • All life is made of Carbon atoms. • Only element that can form complex molecules like DNA! The Carbon Cycle Burning of fossil fuels Respiration by animals produces CO2 Photosynthesis by plants uses CO2 Global Warming Co2 in atmosphere Photosynthesis Precipitation Respiration Industry and agriculture Death, decomposition Diffusion Photosynthesis The Oceans are a huge Carbon Sink CO2 dissolved in water Calcium carbonates in rocks and shells Carbon compounds converted to fossil fuels Life Requires Nitrogen Our bodies need amino acids, DNA, RNA, vitamins, and other small molecules to live. These molecules all contain nitrogen atoms. The Nitrogen Cycle 78% Denitrifying Bacteria Plants cannot use N2 (nitrogen gas) It must be turned into NO3- (nitrates) by Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Life Requires Phosphorus Our bodies need amino acids, DNA, RNA, vitamins, and other small molecules to live. These molecules all contain phosphorus atoms. Phosphorus is weathered out of rocks. Plants absorb it then we get it by eating plants and animals that ate plants. Phosphorus Cycle Plant & Animal Wastes Decomposers release phosphorus