Biology - Carbon, Nitrogen, and Water Cycles

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering essential concepts of the Carbon, Nitrogen, and Water cycles in biology.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon atoms are passed from one organism to another and to their environment through living processes.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants absorb carbon dioxide and use it to create food, storing carbon in plant tissues.

Respiration

The process where plants and animals expel carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as they release energy.

Decomposition

The breakdown of dead plants and animals by decomposers, releasing carbon into the soil and air.

Combustion

Human activities that release stored carbon back into the atmosphere by burning materials like wood and fossil fuels.

Nitrogen Cycle

The continuous process of nitrogen movement between the atmosphere, soil, plants, animals, and microorganisms, which is essential for making proteins and DNA.

Nitrogen Fixation

The conversion of nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into usable forms like ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Assimilation

The process by which plants absorb ammonia or nitrates to produce amino acids and proteins.

Nitrification

The process of converting ammonia into nitrites and then nitrates by bacteria.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface, ensuring water is recycled and available for living organisms.

Evaporation

The process through which water turns into vapor due to heat and rises into the atmosphere.

Transpiration

The release of water vapor into the air from tiny pores in plant leaves.

Condensation

The transformation of water vapor back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation

The release of water from clouds back to Earth in forms such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Runoff

Water that flows over the Earth's surface into rivers, lakes, and oceans.