Science: Nutrient Cycles Review Games Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the nitrogen cycle?
The process by which nitrogen moves through the environment, including the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.
What is nitrogen fixation?
The conversion of nitrogen in the air (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) or nitrates (NO₃⁻) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria or through lightning.
What is the role of nitrification in the nitrogen cycle?
Soil bacteria convert ammonia into nitrites (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrates, which plants can absorb as nutrients.
What happens during assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?
Plants take up nitrates from the soil, and animals consume plants to obtain nitrogen in the form of proteins.
What is ammonification?
The process where decomposers break down dead plants and animals, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia.
What occurs during denitrification?
Bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N₂), which is released into the atmosphere.
What is the water cycle?
The process describing how water moves through the Earth’s system, primarily through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.
What is evaporation in the water cycle?
The process where water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into water vapor and rises into the atmosphere.
What occurs during condensation in the water cycle?
Water vapor cools and condenses into clouds.
What is precipitation?
Water falling from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
What is infiltration in the water cycle?
The process where water seeps into the soil and replenishes groundwater.
What is runoff?
Excess water flows over the land’s surface and returns to bodies of water like rivers and lakes.
What is the carbon cycle?
The movement of carbon through the atmosphere, living organisms, and Earth.
What happens during photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere to make food (glucose).
What is respiration in the carbon cycle?
The process where animals and plants release CO₂ back into the atmosphere by breaking down glucose for energy.
What occurs during decomposition in the carbon cycle?
Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, releasing carbon into the soil or atmosphere.
What is combustion in the carbon cycle?
The burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) that releases stored carbon as CO₂ into the atmosphere.
What is carbon sequestration?
The long-term storage of carbon in the oceans and soil, which helps regulate CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.
