chapter 3 Flashcards
cycles of matter (20 cards)
In most organisms, over 95% of the body is made of what four elements?
O, C, H, N
what are biogeochemical cycles?
connections between biological, geological, and chemical parts of the biosphere
why can matter cycle through the biosphere? why doesn’t it get used up like energy?
matter can not be created or destroyed, it is just converted into different forms
what is transpiration?
water evaporating from the leaves of plants
in what form do producers obtain nutrients?
inorganic forms
what are the four main types of processes that move carbon through its cycle?
biological, geochemical, mixed biogeochemical, human activities
how does carbon move through its cycle with biological processes?
photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition
how does carbon move through its cycle with geochemical processes?
erosion, volcanic activity
how does carbon move through its cycle with mixed biogeochemical processes?
decomposition of dead organisms
how does carbon move through its cycle with human activities?
mining, deforestation, burning fossil fuels
why do organisms require nitrogen?
to make amino acids (used to build protein)
where is nitrogen found?
atmosphere, waste, decaying matter, fossil fuel combustion
what is nitrogen fixation?
bacteria that live on plants (called legumes) that convert nitrogen into ammonia, nitrates (then producers use results to make protein)
what is denitrification?
releasing nitrogen into atmosphere
why is phosphorus important?
forms part of DNA & RNA
where is phosphorus found?
in rock, soil, on land
does not enter atmosphere, uncommonly found overall
what is primary productivity?
rate at which organic matter is created by producers
what happens when runoff from fertilized fields (nutrient dense) reaches wet land?
algae starts to grow rapidly because there are more nutrients, so they can grow and reproduce quicker
what are fertilizers?
usually containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to speed up plant growth
how is energy flow different from matter flow?
matter is recycled through the system, but energy is not
