Unit 1 - The Living World: Ecosystems - Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Hydrologic Cycles (VOCABULARY flashcards)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the major concepts in the Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle, and Hydrologic Cycle as described in the notes.

carbon cycle

Movement of atoms and molecules containing carbon between sources and sinks.

carbon sink

A reservoir that stores carbon for long periods of time.

carbon source

A reservoir or process that releases carbon to other reservoirs.

photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert CO2 and sunlight into glucose and O2.

cellular respiration

Process by which cells release energy by breaking down glucose, producing CO2.

decomposition

Breakdown of dead organisms releasing carbon; over long times can form fossil fuels.

fossil fuels

Coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient carbon-rich matter; burning releases CO2.

anthropogenic CO2 sources

Human activities that add CO2 to the atmosphere (e.g., burning fossil fuels in transport and industry).

atmospheric CO2

CO2 present in the atmosphere; levels have risen since the Industrial Revolution.

long-term vs short-term carbon reservoirs

Some reservoirs hold carbon for long periods (fossil fuels, rocks); others for short periods (atmosphere, soils).

carbon–photosynthesis link

Carbon cycles between photosynthesis and respiration in living organisms.

carbon storage via decomposition

Decomposition stores carbon over millions of years in soils/fossil fuels; burning releases CO2.

impact of increased atmospheric CO2 on plants

Higher CO2 can boost photosynthesis and growth if nutrients and water are sufficient.

stomata and CO2 water loss

Higher CO2 can allow stomata to remain closed longer, reducing water loss.

nitrogen cycle

Movement of atoms and molecules containing nitrogen between sources and sinks.

nitrogen fixation

Process converting atmospheric N2 into ammonia usable by plants.

denitrification

Process returning nitrogen from nitrates to the atmosphere as N2.

ammonia

NH3 produced by fixation; usable by plants to build biomolecules.

atmosphere as nitrogen reservoir

The atmosphere is the major reservoir of nitrogen, making up about 78% of air.

nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Soil or root-dwelling bacteria that convert N2 to ammonia for uptake.

decomposers in nitrogen cycle

Organisms that break down dead matter, releasing nitrogen back to soil.

denitrifying bacteria

Bacteria that convert nitrates back to N2 gas, returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.

nitrogen limitation

Condition where nitrogen availability limits plant growth and productivity.

phosphorus cycle

Movement of atoms and molecules containing phosphorus between sources and sinks.

primary phosphorus reservoirs

Rock and sediments containing phosphorus-bearing minerals.

no atmospheric component in P cycle

Phosphorus cycle has no significant atmospheric reservoir.

major reservoir for phosphorus

Sedimentary rock is the primary reservoir for phosphorus.

weathering in phosphorus cycle

Weathering of rocks releases phosphate to soil and water.

phosphorus uptake by plants

Plants absorb phosphate from soil for growth and tissue formation.

biomolecules requiring phosphorus

DNA, RNA, and phospholipids rely on phosphorus.

phosphorus as limiting factor

In many undisturbed ecosystems, phosphorus limits biological productivity.

phosphate fertilizer runoff

Excess phosphate from fertilizers can wash into waterways, triggering blooms.

algal blooms

Rapid growth of algae in water due to abundant nutrients like phosphorus.

phosphorus cycle recycling

Phosphorus returns to rock via sedimentation and geologic processes.

hydrologic cycle

Movement of water through solid, liquid, and gaseous phases driven by the sun.

sun-powered water cycle

Solar energy drives evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

oceans as primary water reservoir

Oceans contain the majority of Earth's surface water.

ice caps and groundwater reservoirs

Ice caps and groundwater are smaller reservoirs of Earth's water.

other water sources in cycle

Lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, freshwater swamps and similar bodies.

evaporation

Sun-heated transformation of surface water into water vapor in the atmosphere.

condensation

Water vapor cools and forms clouds before precipitation.

precipitation

Return of water to Earth's surface as rain, snow, etc.

transpiration

Plants release water vapor from leaves during gas exchange.

role of trees in water cycle

Trees absorb water, reduce erosion, and contribute to atmospheric moisture via transpiration.

deforestation impact on water cycle

Removal of trees can increase runoff (flooding) and reduce moisture recycling, potentially causing drought elsewhere.