Matter Cycling in Ecosystems
PA Standards E: Unifying Themes A: Unifying Themes C: Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources “All things come from earth, and to earth they all return.” - Menander ( B.C.) Evaluate change in natural and physical systems. Describe how changes in physical and biological indicators reflect changes in systems. Analyze the factors that influence the availability of natural resources.
Key Questions What happens to matter in an ecosystem? What are the major nutrient cycles? What limits growth in an ecosystem? How do nutrients cycle through ecosystems?
What happens to matter in an ecosystem?
MATTER CYCLING IN ECOSYSTEMS Nutrient Cycles: Global Recycling Global Cycles recycle nutrients through the earth’s air, land, water, and living organisms. Nutrients are the elements and compounds that organisms need to live, grow, and reproduce. Biogeochemical cycles move these substances through air, water, soil, rock and living organisms.
What are the major nutrient cycles?
© Brooks/Cole Publishing Company / ITP Nutrient Cycles Nutrient cycles Natural processes that involve the flow of nutrients from the abiotic to the biotic and back again. Nutrient cycles involve One–way flow of high–quality energy high–quality energy from the sun through from the sun through the environment. the environment. Recycling of crucial elements. crucial elements.
N, P, & K are among the major nutrients © Brooks/Cole Publishing Company / ITP Fig. 5–15
What limits growth in an ecosystem?
Factors That Limit Population Growth Limiting Factors Availability of matter and energy resources can limit the number of organisms in a population.
How do nutrients cycle through ecosystems?
Mini-Project: Nutrient Cycle Major Soil Nutrients: Carbon Nitrogen Phosphorus Sulfur Potassium You will research the following: The roles of the nutrient in an ecosystem (at least 4). Is it a limiting factor? If so, describe how. A diagram of the cycle. Explanation of the main processes of the cycle (each part of the cycle). Human and natural influences on the cycle (at least 5 total). Does the nutrient contribute to eutrophication? Limit the use of words on your slides. Focus on using diagrams and images.
Review Key Questions What happens to matter in an ecosystem? What are the major nutrient cycles? What limits growth in an ecosystem? How do nutrients cycle through ecosystems?
Thought Problem Why do farmers not need to apply certain nutrients, such as carbon, to grow crops but often need to add fertilizer, such as nitrogen and phosphorus?
Lab Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil