Nitrogen cycle

Immobilization

bacteria and fungi absorb ammonium and nitrate

litterfall

plant/animal remains get decomposed by bacteria and fungi.

mineralization

Decomposers add N in form of NH4 to the soil.

plant uptake

plants take in ammonium and nitrate through their roots

nitrification

Ammonium (NH4) is converted to nitrate (NO3) (facilitated by bacteria)

denitrification

nitrate is converted into atmospheric nitrogen gas (facilitated by bacteria)

n-fixation

atmospheric nitrogen gas is converted into NH4 (ammonium). happens via bacteria and some archea, and via lightning and humans (fertilizer)

leaching

Nitrate is carried away by water into other ecosystems

volatilization

NH4 (ammonium) goes into atmosphere. (reacts with OH and creates NH3 gas)

5 pools of nitrogen

atmospheric, plants, organic soil (decomposers), ammonium, and nitrate

supporting service

umbrella, necessary for production of all other services, incl primary production, nutrient cycling, and soil formation. think basic/baseline

provisioning service

production of physical goods humans use - crops, wood, water, fiber

regulating service

moderates processes like water purification, flood control, disease regulation and crop pollination

cultural services

nonmaterial spiritual, cultural, and recreational benefits

alpha diversity

amt of species in that habitiat

beta diversity

amt of species between 2 habitats that are unique to each respective place (not shared by the habitiats)

gamma diversity

total number of species in a habitat

interpreting shannon index

higher number = more species richness and more evenness

where are deserts and dry areas found?

30*

gross and net primary production relationship

NPP = GPP - respiration

obliquity

change in amount of tilt (degrees)