Cycles in Ecosystems and Their Interactions P1

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, typically due to heat.

Front

What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, including sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.

Front

What is nutrient recycling in ecosystems?

Back

Nutrient recycling is the process by which nutrients are reused and returned to the soil through the decomposition of dead organisms.

Front

How do leafcutter ants contribute to their ecosystem?

Back

Leafcutter ants recycle nutrients back to the soil by decomposing plant material and maintaining fungus gardens.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of heat in evaporation?

Back

Heat provides the energy needed for water molecules to escape from the liquid state into the gas state during evaporation.

Front

What happens to nutrients when organisms die?

Back

When organisms die, their bodies decompose, and nutrients are released back into the soil, making them available for plants.

Front

What is the impact of fossil fuel combustion on the carbon cycle?

Back

Combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and affecting the carbon cycle.