Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

The process of plants losing water through their leaves is called ____.

Back

Transpiration: The process by which water is absorbed by roots from the soil, moves through plants, and is released as vapor through pores in leaves.

Front

Ammonia is converted to nitrite then nitrate in a process known as...?

Back

Nitrification: A biological process in which ammonia is oxidized to nitrite and then to nitrate, making nitrogen available to plants.

Front

What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen: Comprising about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, nitrogen is essential for life and is a key component of amino acids and proteins.

Front

This is released by the weathering of rocks.

Back

Phosphorus: A vital nutrient for plants and animals, phosphorus is released from rocks through weathering and is essential for DNA and energy transfer.

Front

Why do living things need nitrogen?

Back

To make proteins AND amino acids: Nitrogen is a crucial element in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins necessary for growth and repair.

Front

What cycle involves the movement of water through the environment?

Back

Water Cycle: The continuous process by which water evaporates from the Earth's surface, condenses in the atmosphere, and precipitates back to the surface.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for plants.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

Carbon Cycle: The process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms, crucial for regulating Earth's climate.

Front

What is assimilation in the context of biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Assimilation: The process by which plants and animals incorporate nutrients from the environment into their own tissues.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification: A microbial process that converts nitrates in the soil back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.