Nitrogen/Water cycle

Nitrogen Fixation

A process by which some organisms can convert Nitrogen gas molecules directly into ammonia (NH4+)

Nitrification

The conversion of ammonia (NH4+) into Nitrite (NO2-) and then into Nitrate (NO3-)

Assimilation

The process by which producers incorporate elements into their tissues.

Mineralization

The process by which fungal and bacterial decomposers break down the organic matter found in dead bodies and convert it into inorganic compounds.

Ammonification

The process by which fungal and bacterial decomposers break down the organic Nitrogen found in dead bodies and waste products and convert it into inorganic ammonium (NH4+)

Denitrification

The conversation of Nitrate (NO3-) in a series of steps into the gases Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and eventually, Nitrogen gas (N2) which is emitted into the atmosphere.

NH4+

Ammonia

NO3-

Nitrate

NO2-

Nitrite

N2

Nitrogen gas

N2O

Nitrous Oxide

Cellular Respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen.

Macronutrient

One of six key elements that organisms need in relatively large amounts: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Limiting Nutrient

A nutrient required for the growth of an organism but available in a lower quantity than other nutrients.

water cycle

the continuous cycle of the transfer of water through an ecosystem, which involves evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation

evaporation

the process by which water changes from liquid form to an atmospheric gas

transpiration

the loss of water as it moves from the soil through green plants and exits through their leaf pores

condensation

the process of changing from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state

precipitation

any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface

water vapor

water vapors in the gaseous state

humidity

the amount of water vapor in the air

infiltration

the process of water soaking into the soil

infiltration-runoff ratio

amount of precipitation that soaks into the ground compared to the amount that runs off.

surface waters

All ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and other waters on the surface of Earth.

ground water

water found beneath Earth's surface in aquifers

aquifers

underground places where water collects

anthropogenic

derived from human activities

nonconsumptive

non-usable

consumptive

usable