SB4. Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystem. b. Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by Explain the need for cycling of major nutrients (C, O, H, N, P)

LEQ3: How does matter flow through an ecosystem?

These elements are essential for all living organisms Cycling of Matter Matter cycles in and out of an ecosystem. A biogeochemical cycle is the movement of a particular chemical/element thorough the biological and geological parts of an ecosystem. Elements that moved through these cycles include: Hydrogen Oxygen Carbon Nitrogen Phosphorous These elements are essential for all living organisms

Cycling of Matter Water cycles through the environment in the hydrologic cycle. Circular pathway of water (H and O) on earth Organism all have bodies made mostly of water. precipitation condensation transpiration evaporation water storage in ocean surface runoff lake groundwater seepage

Cycling of Matter Oxygen cycle indirectly through and ecosystem by the cycling of other nutrients. The main processes involved in the oxygen cycle are photosynthesis and respiration. oxygen respiration carbon dioxide photosynthesis

Cycling of Matter Carbon is the building block of life The carbon cycle moves carbon from the atmosphere through the food webs, and returns to the atmosphere. Carbon is emitted by the burning of fossil fuels (combustion) and respiration. Carbon is taken out of the atmosphere by photosynthesis. Some carbon is stored for long periods of time in areas called carbon sinks.

Cycling of Matter Carbon dioxide in the air combustion respiration photosynthesis Carbon dioxide dissolved in water Fossil fuels

Cycling of Matter The nitrogen cycle mostly takes place underground. Some bacteria (nitrogen- fixing bacteria) convert gaseous nitrogen in atmosphere into ammonia through a process called nitrogen fixation. Bacteria live in nodules on the roots of plants Bacteria live freely in the soil. Nitrogen moves through the food web and returns to the soil during decomposition. Denitrifying bacteria change ammonium back into nitrate and it is re-released into the atmosphere.

Cycling of Matter animals plant nitrate decomposers ammonification nitrogen in atmosphere animals denitrifying bacteria nitrifying ammonium ammonification decomposers plant nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil bacteria in roots nitrate

Cycling of Matter The phosphorous cycle takes place at and below ground level. Phosphate is released by weathering of rocks and is absorbed into the soil. Phosphorous leaches into groundwater from the soil and is locked in sediments. Both mining and agriculture add phosphorous into the environment. Phosphorus moves through the food web and returns to the soil during decomposition.

Cycling of Matter rain geologic uplifting weathering of phosphate from rocks runoff sedimentation forms new rocks leaching phosphate in solution animals plants decomposers phosphate in soil