Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

What is the process that removes carbon from the atmosphere?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into organic compounds using sunlight.

Front

What is free nitrogen?

Back

Free nitrogen refers to nitrogen gas (N2) that is not combined with other elements and is found in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, making up about 78% of the air we breathe.

Front

What occurs during denitrification?

Back

During denitrification, nitrogen compounds in the soil are converted back into free nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere.

Front

Which process does NOT add nitrogen compounds to the soil?

Back

Denitrification does NOT add nitrogen compounds to the soil; it actually removes them by converting them into free nitrogen.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients, including nitrogen and carbon, back to the soil and atmosphere.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia or related compounds in the soil, making it available for plants.

Front

What is the significance of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

Back

Photosynthesis is crucial in the carbon cycle as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces oxygen and glucose.

Front

What are nitrogen compounds?

Back

Nitrogen compounds are chemical substances that contain nitrogen, such as ammonia (NH3), nitrates (NO3-), and nitrites (NO2-).