Biogeochemical Cycles (Nutrient Cycles)

Front

What is the largest reservoir for nitrogen?

Back

The atmosphere.

Front

In an ecosystem, what happens to the atoms of certain chemical elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen?

Back

They move into and out of living systems.

Front

What are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere causing global warming called?

Back

Green House gases.

Front

Where is carbon stored in the environment?

Back

In fossil fuels, wood of trees, and calcium carbonate (shells and bones).

Front

What is the only process that removes carbon from the atmosphere?

Back

Photosynthesis.

Front

Define biogeochemical cycles.

Back

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the nonliving environment to living organisms and back.

Front

What role do decomposers play in nutrient cycles?

Back

They break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

The process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia or related compounds in soil.

Front

What is the significance of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

Back

It converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds, removing carbon from the atmosphere.