Nitrogen & Carbon Cycle

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What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

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The Nitrogen Cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification, allowing nitrogen to be used by living organisms.

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What is the Carbon Cycle?

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The Carbon Cycle is the series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, including photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

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How do plants contribute to the Carbon Cycle?

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Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, converting it into glucose and oxygen.

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What is photosynthesis?

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Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, primarily converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

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What is respiration in the context of the Carbon Cycle?

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Respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

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What role do decomposers play in the Nitrogen Cycle?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nitrogen to the soil in the form of ammonium, which can be used by plants.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that plants can absorb, such as ammonia (NH3), often facilitated by certain bacteria.

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What is denitrification?

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Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it into the atmosphere.

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What are fossil fuels?

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Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, primarily consisting of carbon and used as energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

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How is carbon released back into the atmosphere?

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Carbon is released back into the atmosphere through processes such as respiration, decomposition, and the burning of fossil fuels.