cycles Flashcards
(21 cards)
What process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis.
What process releases CO₂ from organisms?
Respiration.
What breaks down dead matter to release carbon?
Decomposition.
What human activity increases atmospheric CO₂?
Combustion of fossil fuels.
How do oceans contribute to the carbon cycle?
They absorb and store CO₂.
What turns liquid water into vapor?
Evaporation.
What forms clouds from water vapor?
Condensation.
What returns water to Earth’s surface?
Precipitation.
Where does water gather after precipitation?
In lakes, rivers, and oceans.
What process adds water vapor through plants?
Transpiration.
What process sends water into the ground?
Infiltration.
What converts N₂ into ammonia?
Nitrogen fixation (by bacteria or lightning).
What converts ammonia into nitrates?
Nitrification.
How do plants get nitrogen?
By absorbing nitrates from the soil.
What returns nitrogen to the soil from dead organisms?
Ammonification.
What converts nitrates back into N₂ gas?
Denitrification.
How is phosphorus released from rocks?
Weathering.
How do plants get phosphorus?
By absorbing phosphate from soil.
How do animals obtain phosphorus?
By eating plants.
What returns phosphorus to the soil?
Decomposition.
What happens to phosphorus in water bodies over time?
It settles and becomes sedimentary rock.
