Biogeochemical Cycles Flashcard

Front

What is the main difference between the flow of energy and the cycling of matter in ecosystems?

Back

Energy flows in one direction, while matter is conserved and recycled.

Front

What is the primary source of sulfur in the atmosphere?

Back

Volcanic activity.

Front

What is the primary effect of excess phosphorus and nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Overgrowth of algae, depletion of oxygen, and death of aquatic fauna.

Front

What is the role of water in the cycling of sulfur and phosphorus?

Back

Water helps to leach sulfur and phosphorus into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is the main environmental impact of excess nitrogen in the atmosphere?

Back

Ozone depletion.

Front

Define biogeochemical cycles.

Back

Biogeochemical cycles are natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the non-living environment to living organisms and back.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Front

Explain the carbon cycle.

Back

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

Front

What is the role of decomposers in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for uptake by plants.