Chapter 3 Lesson 4

Question 1

Biogeochemical cycle

Answer 1

Is the movement of a particular chemical through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem . The energy for these cycles comes from the sun and heat within Earth. Bonds are broken and atoms are rearranged in biogeochemical cycles
Oxygen cycle
Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle
Phosphorus cycle

Question 2

Water cycle(hydrologic)

Reservoir

Answer 2

Is the circular pathway of water on earth from the atmosphere, to the surface, below ground and back into the atmosphere . The water moves by different processes such as evaporation and precipitation between reservoirs. Also involves transpiration .

Any location where cycling matter (like water) is stored

Question 3

Oxygen cycle

Answer 3

Continuous movement of oxygen through the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Involves photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Question 4

Carbon Cycle

Answer 4

The natural processes by which carbon atoms travel from the atmosphere to the earth and back again, moving between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. Involves photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

The ocean regulates most of the carbon in the atmosphere because CO2 dissolves easily in it

Question 5

Fossil fuel

Answer 5

A nonrenewable energy source formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago. The carbon from these organisms becomes fossilized . (Part of the carbon cycle )
Examples: oil, coal, natural gas

Question 6

Nitrogen cycle

Answer 6

Processes that move nitrogen from the atmosphere to the biosphere and back. Takes place mostly below ground
Most organisms cannot use nitrogen to build organic molecules so bacteria fix Nitrogen into chemicals that organisms can use ( Nitrogen fixation)

Question 7

Phosphorus

Phosphorus Cycle

Answer 7

An important element. Found in ATP, DNA, and phospholipids . Phosphate salts are found in ocean sediment and rocks.

When phosphorus is made available to plants and animals by geologic processes like weathering . The only cycle that does not pass through the atmosphere.

Question 8

Human Impacts on Earth’s Cycles

Answer 8

Air pollution - most often from burning fossil fuels

Algal Blooms - when nitrogen is added to an ecosystem it changes the nutrient balance which can lead to an increase in producers such as algae. It depletes oxygen. The production of fertilizers and detergent cause this

Climate Change - as a result of CO2 entering the atmosphere from human activities much faster than the rate at which it is removed. This has caused an increase in global temperatures

Question 9

Nitrification

Denitrification

Answer 9

The process where bacteria change ammonium into nitrate (NO3)

The process of releasing Nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere as a waste product. Done by bacteria as well

Question 10

Assimilation

Ammonification

Answer 10

The process where nitrates which are released by soil bacteria are taken up by plants.

When decomposers break down organic matter, nitrogen is returned to the soil as ammonia