Cycles in Nature Energy in nature flows one way, but it can be replaced – by the sun Matter must be recycled – law of conservation of matter water cycle carbon cycle nitrogen cycle phosphorus cycle

Remember… Biological systems don't use up matter, they transform it!

Water Cycle

Water Cycle H2O in atmosphere H2O in ground & ocean Root Uptake Transpiration Evaporation Condensation Precipitation Runoff Seepage

Carbon Cycle

Carbon Cycle CO2 in atmosphere CO2 in ocean Carbonate rocks & fossil fuels in ground Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Feeding Deposition Respiration Human Activity Volcanic Activity

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle N2 in atmosphere Nitrates & Ammonia in ground Denitrification by bacteria – convert to nitrogen gas Producer Uptake Feeding Deposition Nitrogen Fixation by bacteria- nitrogen gas (N2) to ammonia (NH3) Fertilizer NITROGEN FIXATION

Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus Part of DNA and RNA (nucleic acids) Does not enter the atmosphere Among land and ocean Mostly in rocks and soils Plants absorb it from soil or water

Nutrient Limitation Too little nutrients will restrict growth LIMITING NUTRIENT When an ecosystem is lacking of a needed nutrient. This is often why fertilizer is used!

Over-fertilization Runoff of nutrients into water sources More nutrients in waterProducers (algae) grow and reproduce fasternot enough consumers to eat excess producers. “algal bloom”

Hog farms in NC WASTE LAGOON “Atmospheric pollution and runoff resulting from hog operations in eastern North Carolina have substantially increased nitrogen pollution in the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, waters already saturated with more nitrogen than they can handle,” said EDF scientist Dr. Joe Rudek. “These waters are considered among the nation’s premier fishing grounds and an essential draw for North Carolina’s $2 billion coastal tourism industry.” -EDF (Env. Def. Fund)

Is urinating in ponds bad? Can it kill fish? Click for answer!