Cycles of Matter:

Matter Cycling

matter must cycle through Earth systems to provide essential elements for life.

Essential Elements

Key materials necessary for life

Photosynthesis

plants capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into sugar.

Cellular Respiration

releases CO2 into the atmosphere as waste.

Consumption

one organism eating another to obtain carbon.

Decomposition

decomposers break down carbon from dead organisms, recycling it back into the soil.

Fossilization

transformation of carbon from dead organisms into fossil fuels through heat

Combustion

releasing CO2 into the atmosphere from the burning of materials.

Nutrient Cycles

interactions of nutrient elements as they move between the atmosphere, soil, water, and living organisms.

Nutrients

elements needed by organisms to build tissues function