ecology-the cycling of materials

Describe the water cycle

Energy form the sun makes water evaporate from land and sea turning it into water vapour

Water also evaporates from plants(known as transpiration). when it get’s higher up it cools and condenses to form clouds water falls from clouds as precipitation onto land where it provides fresh water for plants and animals and drains into sea before repeating process

Carbon cycle

• 🌿 Photosynthesis: Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and use sunlight to make food.

• 🐮 Respiration: Animals and plants release CO₂ back into the air when they breathe.

• 💀 Decomposition: Dead plants and animals are broken down by decomposers, releasing CO₂ into the air and soil.

• 🔥 Combustion: Burning of fossil fuels or wood releases stored carbon as CO₂ into the atmosphere.

• 🌊 Ocean Exchange: Oceans absorb and release CO₂; some becomes part of shells or ocean sediments.

Describe the carbon cycle

Co2 is removed from air in photosynthesis by green plants and algae

They use carbon to make carbohydrates proteins and fats they are eaten and the carbon moves up the food chain

Co2 is returned to air when plants algae and animals respire. Decomposers respire while they return mineral ions to soil

Co2 is returned to air when fossil fuels and wood are burnt(called combustion) as they contain carbon from photosynthesis

Describe the recycling of elements

Living organisms obtain materials(carbon, oxygen,hydrogen,) from environment

These materials are incorporated into the organisms’ bodies and passed up the food chain

When organisms die or produce waste these materials are returned to environment

Microorganisms break down organic matter (decay) releasing materials back into soil and atmosphere. This process is faster in warm moist and oxygen rich conditions l. A. Stable ecosystem maintains a balance between the uptake and return of materials. This constant cycling of materials occurs through both biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem

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