Matter Cycles Flashcards
(27 cards)
How does matter cycle from producers to heterotrophs?
heterotrophs eat autotrophs
How does matter flow through an ecosystem?
producers (autotrophs) –> consumer (heterotrophs) –> decomposers –> environment
How does matter get recycled?
decomposers release organic molecules from the dead carcasses of heterotrophs
How does matter come back to the prodcuers?
takes in matter that is circulating around the atmosphere
Carbon Cycle
cycle that shows how carbon travels within an ecosystem of the Earth
How is cell respiration relevant to the Carbon Cycle?
organisms and everything on life releases carbon as a byproduct from cell respiration creating carbon as a waste product
releases CO2 into the atmosphere
How is combustion relevant to the Carbon Cycle?
the process of burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon
releases CO2 into atmosphere
How is decomposition relevant to the Carbon Cycle?
can lead to carbon sink that stores carbon and is turned into fossil fuels
ex) carbon dioxide
How is photosynthesis relevant to the Carbon Cycle?
plants/autotrophs use the Carbon to convert it into food and is stored in the form of glucose/carbohydrates
Human impacts on the carbon cycle
burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, cutting down trees
What are the materials of carbon sink?
coal, oil, peat, natural gas
What are the 6 common elements of living things?
oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
4 types of processes that cycle matter
biological, chemical and physical, geological, and human activity
Human activity that increases carbon in the atmosphere
combustion and extraction and burning of fossil fuels, deforestation
Two processes that oxygen plays a major role in
photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Nitrogen Cycle
cycle that shows how nitrogen is used and cycled within an ecosystem
Why is nitrogen important?
it is used to make amino acids and build nucleic acids.
forms proteins, DNA, and RNA
Nitrogen Fixation
process that converts nitrogen gas to ammonia
N2 –> NH3
Nitrification
process that converts ammonia into nitrites/nitrates
NH3 –> NO2-/NO3-
__% of the atmosphere is nitrogen gas
78
Denitrification
process where soil bacteria obtain energy by converting nitrates into nitrogen gas
NO3- —> NH2
Where are Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria located?
soil or roots of legumes (on nodules)
Human activities that impact the nitrogen cycle
usage of fertilizers (contains loads of nitrogen)
How does the usage of fertilizers affect the nitrogen cycle?
excess fertilizer runs off into nearby streams or ponds resulting in eutrophication
