1.5 - the recycling of matter Flashcards
transpiration
the loss of water vapour from a plant through it leaves
humidity
the atmosphere moisture content.
biogeochemical cycle
bio-referring to life
geo-referring to earth
chemical-referring to elements and compounds
a diagram representing the movement of element compound between living and nonliving component at and ecosystem
photosynthesis
the process by which plants and some other organism use light energy to convert water and carbo dioxide into oxygen and high energy carbohydrates such as sugars and starch.
cellular respiration
the process by wich cell converts the chemical energy stored in sugars into energy that the cell can use
carbon sink
a system that removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases into the atmosphere.
peat
deep layers of mosses and plant remains unable to completely decompose due to the lack of oxygen in water-saturated soil.
ozone
a molecule comprised of three atoms of oxygen, O3
nitrogen fixation
the process of converting nitrogen gas
into ammonia
nitrifying bacteria
a type of soil bacteria that converts
ammonia into nitrates and nitrites
nitrification
the process of converting ammonia into
nitrates or nitrites
denitrifying bacteria
a type of soil bacteria that converts
nitrates in soil into nitrogen gas, releasing this gas to the
atmosphere
denitrification
The process of converting nitrates in the soil into nitrogen gas
the carbon cycle
all life on earth is based on molecules containing carbon
- The cycle begins by producer taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- During photosynthesis, energy from the sun is used by producers to convert carbon dioxide gas into energy-rich molecules of glucose to be used by living organisms as a source of food and energy.
photosynthesis formula
energy + water + carbon dioxide - oxygen + glucose
