Nutrient Cycling

what is aerobic respiration dependent on

atmospheric oxygen produced by photosynthesis

and, what is photosynthesis dependent on

atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by respiration in heterotrophs

what do autotrophs require

inorganic materials (CO₂,H₂O) and minerals from their abiotic environment

what do they need it for

build up sugars and organic compounds

what are carbon hydrogen and oxygen needed for

make carbohydrates lipids and other carbon containing compounds

what are nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur needed for

make amino acids hence proteins, and DNA

what are trace elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe…)

can be found in haemoglobin, chlorophyll and other structural elements

how are essential chemical elements recycled in ecosystems

through nutrient cycles, carbon and nitrogen cycle

what is the role of decomposers (saprotrophs and detritivores)

break down the body parts of dead organisms, or matter in faeces and the digestive enzymes they use convert the complex nutrients into a usable form for themselves and others

what are some of the soruces of nitrogen trapped inside of dead (or alive) animals/plants

• proteins/amino acids

• nucelic acids

• chlorophyll

• urea, ammonium

how does the nitrogen get absorbed in the soil

nitrogen fixation bacteria, decomposition, nitrifying lighting

what is nitrification

process of converting ammonium into nitrites then nitrates so plants can absorb it for growth

how does nitrogen get back inot plants and essentially animals like us

plants absorb nitrates through nitrification and then animals botain nitrogen by consuming plants (or other animals)