nutrient cycles

Question 1

elements that are important to organisms are constantly being recycled between ______ and _______ phases. unlike energy, nutrients cycle between the ______ and _______ components of ecosystems within which they exist as _______ and _________ compounds.

Answer 1

elements that are important to organisms are constantly being recycled between biotic and abiotic phases. unlike energy, nutrients cycle between the biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems within which they exist as organic and inorganic compounds.

Question 2

where are organic and inorganic compounds found and what are they?

Answer 2

organic compounds tend to be found inside organisms (living or dead) and are large, complex molecules that all contain the element carbon. inorganic compounds consist of simple, small molecules and tend to be found in the abiotic phase.

Question 3

what are features of nutrient cycles?

Answer 3

• the nutrients in a simple, inorganic form are taken up by producers (plants / algae)
• the producers use the nutrients to synthesise more complex organic molecules
• they are then passed along food chains as producers and animals are eaten by other consumers
• when producers and consumers die, they are decomposed by saprobionts and the nutrients are eventually returned to their original inorganic form to complete the cycle