Biogeochemical Cycles

Question 1

biogeochemical cycle

Answer 1

nutrient flow through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem

nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, water

Question 2

water cycle

Answer 2

bio importance: makes up 70% of all cells and drives metabolic processes

forms available: liquid water

reservoirs: 97% ocean, 2% glaciers/polar ice caps, 1% rivers/streams

key processes: evaporation, precipitation, runoff

Question 3

nitrogen cycle

Answer 3

bio importance: organic molecule production (protein, nucleic acids)

forms available: nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2)

reservoir: 79% of atmosphere is N2

key processes: nitrogen fixation (bacteria) to useable forms, assimilation by plants, denitrifying bacteria (to atm), consumption, decomposition

Question 4

carbon cycle

Answer 4

bio importance: all organic molecules require carbon

forms available: inorganic: CO2 and organic: glucose/organic nutrient sources

reservoir: fossil fuel, sedimentary marine soil, biomass

key processes: photosynthesis, consumption, decomposition, assimilation

Question 5

phosphorus cycle

Answer 5

bio importance: nucleic acid (ATP), proteins

forms available: phosphate (PO4-)

reservoir: marine sedimentary soil

key processes: weatherization, assimilation, consumption/decomposition (sedimentation)