General
What is the process of rain or snowfall called?
precipitation
Why must nitrogen be "fixed"?
the N2 gas in the air is not in a form that is usable by plants or animals
Phosphorous enters an ecosystem by
Weathering of rocks and in soil
What is the process of turning a liquid into a gas?
Evaporation
The process of burning fossil fuels, releasing carbon, is called?
combustion / Emissions
How does nitrogen fixation occur?
nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Where does a trees MASS come from? (It's size and weight)
From the C02 it absorbs
What is one thing all of these cycles have in common?
Answers may vary
How does water vapor from the atmosphere form into clouds?
condensation
Why is nitrogen so important?
it is used to make amino acids, and ultimately proteins, allowing plants and animals to grow
How do plants obtain phosphorous?
absorb through roots (in water or soil)
What two things can happen with water after precipitation has returned it to the ground?
Percolation/Infiltration and Surface Runoff
How do humans get the nitrogen that they need?
Consumption (Eating!)
How do animals get the phosphorus they need?
Eat plants and animals that eat plants
What are the 5 biogeochemical cycles we have learned about so far?
water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur
What is transpiration?
the evaporation of water from plants
Bacteria can change Nitrogen into what?
Ammonium and Ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites
What is one way Nitrogen can be fixed WITHOUT bacteria?
Lightening!