4c-Cycles within ecosystems Flashcards
Why are nutrient cycles important in ecosystems?
A: Nutrient cycles ensure essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and water are recycled, maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting life processes.
What are the main processes involved in the carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle involves:
Photosynthesis: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) to produce glucose.
Respiration: Plants, animals, and microorganisms release CO₂ into the atmosphere.
Combustion: Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂.
Decomposition: Microorganisms break down dead organisms, releasing CO₂.
Feeding: Carbon is passed along food chains.
Why is the carbon cycle essential?
It maintains the balance of CO₂ in the atmosphere, supporting photosynthesis and regulating Earth’s climate.
What are the main processes involved in the nitrogen cycle?
The nitrogen cycle involves:
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrification
Assimilation:
Feeding:
Decomposition:
Denitrification:
what is Nitrogen Fixation:
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil and root nodules convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia.
what is Nitrification:
Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites, then nitrates.
what is Assimilation:
Plants absorb nitrates and use them to make proteins.
what is Feeding:
Animals obtain nitrogen by eating plants.
what is Decomposition:
Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing ammonia.
what is Denitrification:
Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen
Why is the nitrogen cycle essential?
: It provides nitrogen for making proteins and DNA, which are vital for growth and development.
What are the main processes involved in the water cycle?
A: The water cycle involves:
Evaporation:
Transpiration:
Condensation:
Precipitation:
Infiltration:
Runoff:
what is Evaporation:
Water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers into the atmosphere.
Transpiration:
Plants release water vapor through stomata.
Condensation:
Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
Precipitation:
Water falls as rain, snow, or hail.
Infiltration:
Water soaks into the ground and replenishes groundwater.
Runoff:
Water flows over land back into oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Why is the water cycle essential?
It distributes water across ecosystems, supporting plant growth, animal hydration, and climate regulation.
Practical: Investigating Decomposition
Measuring Decomposition of Organic Material:
Method: Place organic material (e.g., leaves or fruit) in soil and measure mass loss over time.
Result: Faster mass loss indicates higher microbial activity and faster decomposition.
Practical: Investigating Decomposition
Investigating the Effect of Temperature on Decomposition:
Method: Place organic material in different temperatures and observe decomposition rate.
Result: Higher temperatures increase decomposition due to faster microbial activity.
