Cycles of Matter
Cycles of Matter Unlike the one-way flow of energy, matter is recycled within and between ecosystems. Nutrients are needed to build tissues and carry out essential life functions. Nutrients are passed between organisms and the environment through biogeochemical cycles.
Water Cycle Evaporation - water changes from liquid to gas Transpiration – water evaporates from leaves In the atmosphere, warm, moist air cools as it rises water vapor condenses into droplets forming clouds water leaves the clouds as precipitation rain, snow, sleet, or hail On land, precipitation runs along the surface of the ground until it enters a river or stream It carries the runoff to an ocean or lake
Carbon Cycle Carbon: animal skeletons, rocks, CO2, released in respiration Biological Processes - photosynthesis, respiration, & decomposition Geochemical Processes - erosion & volcanic activity
Carbon Cycle Mixed Biogeochemcial Processes - burial and decomposition of dead organisms and their conversion to coal and petroleum Human Activities - mining, cutting, & burning forests, & burning fossil fuels
Nitrogen Cycle N is used to make amino acids proteins N2 gas: 78% atmosphere Ammonia(NH3) & Nitrates(NO3-, NO2- ): waste matter Nitrogen Fixation: N2 gas NH3 by bacteria on legumes Organism’s decomposition: NH3 soil Denitrification: nitrates N2 gas by bacteria