ecosystem dynamics - cycling of matter in ecosystems

Question 1

carbon

Answer 1

in all organic matter, the chemical building blocks of cells and the source of their energy- constantly moving between different forms

Question 2

carbon cycle

Answer 2

biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged between biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere

Question 3

nitrogen

Answer 3

an essential element to make proteins, which are essential for plant structure and function

Question 4

nitrogen cycle

Answer 4

follows processes that withdraw nitrogen from the atmosphere (nitrogen fixation) and those that add nitrogen to the atmosphere (denitrification & volcanic emissions)

Question 5

nitrogen fixer

Answer 5

air is 80% nitrogen, but Some specialised bacteria invade the fine root hairs of plants such as legumes and native wattles, causing the formation of nodules. this
symbiotic relationship provides the bacteria with the carbon they need, and in turn the bacteria deliver additional nitrogen to the plants