Biogeochemical cycle

Definition

A biogeochemical cycle is the movement of chemical elements and compounds between living organisms and the physical environment. These cycles ensure the continuous supply of essential nutrients necessary for life processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Biogeochemical cycles include the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water cycles.
2. They are critical for ecosystem function as they regulate the flow of substances necessary for life.
3. Human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels can disrupt these cycles.
4. The carbon cycle involves processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.
5. Nitrogen fixation by bacteria makes atmospheric nitrogen available to living organisms.

Review Questions

• What are the main types of biogeochemical cycles in an ecosystem?
• How do human activities impact biogeochemical cycles?
• Explain the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.

Related terms

Carbon Cycle: The process through which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle:

The series of processes that convert nitrogen among its various chemical forms in nature.

Phosphorus Cycle: The movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere without a gaseous component.