Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems

Sustaining Life on Earth KEY IDEA: Remember energy and matter can not be created or destroyed.

Matter in your Body All organisms need water and nutrients. Water and nutrients are made up of matter. Your body gets matter from food, water and air. This matter does not stay in your body forever! It is replaced over time.

Cycles of Matter Biogeochemical cycles Movement of matter through the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem.

Types of Biogeochemical Cycles

The Water Cycle The series of processes that moves water through the environment. Liquid water evaporates Vapour condenses into ice crystals or water droplets Droplets collect to form clouds Water returns to Earth as precipitation.

The Water Cycle NASA Water Cycle Video Water cycle song

The Carbon Cycle The series of processes that moves carbon compounds through an ecosystem. Carbon dioxide is used by plants to make sugar Photosynthesis Animals eat plants to obtain energy and the carbon compounds. Cellular respiration

Earth has Carbon Deposits Fossil fuels Coal Oil Natural gas Minerals Limestone Shells of marine animals

The Carbon Cycle NASA Carbon Cycle Fig. 4-29, p. 78

The Carbon Cycle (Marine) Fig. 4-29, p. 78

The Nitrogen Cycle Fig. 4-31 p. 80

Questions!