cycles Flashcards
Explain the steps involved in the phosphorus cycle
Weathering of Rocks
Rocks release phosphate ions into the soil through weathering and erosion.
Absorption by Plants
Plants absorb phosphate ions from the soil for growth and development.
Consumption by Animals
Animals eat plants, taking in phosphorus for biological functions.
Decomposition and Return to Soil
Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing phosphorus back into the soil.
Sedimentation and Geological Uplift
Phosphorus in water settles into sediments, eventually forming new rocks that can be uplifted.
Q: What is the first step of the phosphorus cycle?
A: Weathering of rocks, releasing phosphate ions into the soil.
Q: How do plants acquire phosphorus?
A: By absorbing phosphate ions from the soil.
Q: How is phosphorus transferred to animals in the cycle
A: Through the consumption of plants.
Q: What happens to phosphorus when plants and animals die?
A: It is released back into the soil through decomposition.
Q: What is the role of sedimentation in the phosphorus cycle?
A: Phosphorus settles into sediments and can eventually form new rocks through geological uplift.
Explain the steps involved in the carbon cycle
Photosynthesis
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose during photosynthesis.
Consumption by Animals
Animals eat plants, taking in the carbon stored in plant tissues.
Respiration
Both plants and animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through the process of respiration.
Decomposition
When plants and animals die, decomposers break down their bodies, releasing carbon into the soil or back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Combustion
The burning of fossil fuels and organic matter releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Ocean Absorption
The oceans absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in dissolved form or as marine sediments.
Sedimentation and Geological Activity
Over time, carbon can become locked in rocks or fossil fuels through sedimentation and is eventually released back into the atmosphere through volcanic activity or the burning of fossil fuels.
Q: What is the first step of the carbon cycle?
A: The first step is photosynthesis, where plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Q: How do animals acquire carbon?
A: Animals acquire carbon by consuming plants or other organisms that contain carbon.
Q: How is carbon returned to the atmosphere during respiration?
A: Carbon is released as carbon dioxide when organisms breathe out during respiration.
Q: What happens to carbon when plants and animals die?
A: Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing carbon back into the soil or atmosphere.
Q: What is the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle?
A: The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it, either dissolved in water or as marine sediments.
Q: How does combustion affect the carbon cycle?
A: Combustion of fossil fuels releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Q: Explain the steps involved in the nitrogen cycle.
Nitrogen Fixation
Atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is converted into ammonia (NH₃) via nitrogen fixing bactiera while lightning creates nitrates
Nitrification
Ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrates (NO₃⁻) by nitrifying bacteria in the soil.
Assimilation
Plants absorb nitrates from the soil and use them to produce proteins and other compounds.
Consumption by Animals
Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals and incorporating it into their own proteins.
Ammonification
When plants and animals die, decomposers convert organic nitrogen back into ammonia.
Denitrification
Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N₂), releasing it into the atmosphere.
Q: What is the first step of the nitrogen cycle?
A: Nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
