Cycles Of Matter 3.4

Question 0

Biogeochemical cycles

Answer 0

Closed loops where elements pass from one organism to another and among parts of the biosphere.

Question 1

How does matter move through the biosphere?

Answer 1

Matter is recycled within and between ecosystems.

Question 2

Biological process

Answer 2

Consists of all activities performed by living organisms.

Ex: eating, breathing, “burning” of food, and elongating waste products.

Question 3

Geological processes

Answer 3

Include volcanic eruptions, formation and break down of rock, and major movements of matter within and below the surface of the Earth.

Question 4

Chemical and physical processes

Answer 4

Include formation of clouds and precipitation, the flow of running, and the action of lightning.

Question 5

Human activity

Answer 5

Activities that affect cycles of matter on a global scale include the mining and burning of fossil fuels, the clearing of land for building and farming, the burning of forests, and manufacture and use of fertilizers.

Question 6

How does water cycle through the biosphere?

Answer 6

Water continually moves between the oceans, atmosphere, and land- sometimes outside living things and sometimes inside them.

Question 7

Evaporation

Answer 7

The changing of liquid into a gas.

Question 8

Transpiration

Answer 8

Water that enters the atmosphere by evaporating from the leaves of plants.

Question 9

Runoff

Answer 9

On land, some precipitation flows along the surface is called runoff.

Question 10

Groundwater

Answer 10

Precipitation that is absorbed into the soil.

Question 11

Nutrients

Answer 11

Chemical substances that organisms need to sustain life.

Question 12

What is the importance if thesis nutrient cycles?

Answer 12

Nutrients pass through bio biogeochemical cycles. The three cycles or pathways that move carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through the biosphere are especially cortical to life.

Question 13

Nitrogen fixation

Answer 13

Process in which bacteria converts nitrogen gas into ammonia.

Question 14

Denitrification

Answer 14

Process in which other bacteria obtain energy by converting nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is released into the atmosphere.

Question 15

How does nutrient availability relate to the primary productivity of an ecosystem?

Answer 15

If ample sunlight and water is available, the primary productivity of an ecosystem may be limited by the availability of nutrients.

Question 16

Limiting nutrient

Answer 16

Nutrient whose supply limits productivity.