C4.2 Nutrient Cycling (SL)

These flashcards cover key concepts related to nutrition and nutrient cycling within ecosystems, emphasizing carbon processes and productivity.

Nutrient Cycling

The recycling of all chemical elements required by living organisms within ecosystems.

Biomass

The total mass of a group of organisms, representing all carbon compounds in cells and tissues.

Primary Production

The accumulation of carbon compounds in biomass by autotrophs through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Secondary Production

The generation of biomass by heterotrophs, which is derived from the consumption of primary producers.

Carbon Cycle

The transfer of carbon between sources and sinks in the environment, maintaining a closed ecosystem.

Photosynthesis

The process by which photoautotrophs convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic compounds, generating oxygen.

Cell Respiration

The process of breaking down carbon compounds in cells to produce energy, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide.

Fossil Fuels

Natural carbon deposits formed from partially decomposed organic matter, which can release carbon dioxide when burned.

Keeling Curve

A record of global atmospheric CO2 concentrations that shows increases due to human activities and annual fluctuations.

Carbon Flux

The process of carbon transfer between a source and a sink, which can influence atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.