Download Chapter 3: Ecology

Chapter 3: Ecology
3-3: Cycles of Matter
Recycling in the Biosphere
 Matter
is recycled within and between
ecosystems
 Biogeochemical Cycles – cycles that
connect BIOlogical, GEOlogical, and
CHEMical aspects of the biosphere
The Water Cycle
 Water

enters the atmosphere by 2 ways:
Evaporation – water changes from liquid to
gas
• Water evaporates from bodies of water (ocean,
lake, etc.)

Transpiration – water evaporating from the
leaves of plants
Nutrient Cycles
– chemical substances that an
organism needs to sustain life
 Nutrients


They build tissue and carry out essential life
functions
Ex:
• Humans drink milk
• Milk contains calcium
• Calcium is needed to grow strong bones
Carbon Cycle

4 main types of processes that moves carbon
(C) through its cycle
Biological Processes
Mixed Biogeochemical Processes
Photosynthesis (removes C)
Burial/decomposition of organisms produce
coal and petroleum (fossil fuels) when
under pressure (releases C)
Respiration (releases C)
Decomposition (releases C)
Geochemical Processes
Human Activities
Erosion (releases C)
Mining (releases C)
Volcanic Activity (releases C)
Cutting/Burning Trees (releases C)
Burning Fossil Fuels (releases C)
Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Phosphorous Cycle