Biogeochemical Cycles:
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Carbon Cycle - Ways carbon dioxide is put into the atmosphere:
- Combustion (burning fossil fuels)
- Decomposition of organic matter
- Cellular respiration
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Carbon Cycle - How carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere:
- Photosynthesis (by plants)
- Absorption by the oceans
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Carbon Cycle:
- Releases carbon dioxide: Cellular respiration
- Takes in carbon dioxide: Photosynthesis
- Releases oxygen: Photosynthesis
- Takes in oxygen: Cellular respiration
-
Nitrogen Cycle - How atmospheric nitrogen becomes available for use by organisms:
- Nitrogen fixation by bacteria converts nitrogen gas (Nâ) into ammonia (NHâ) or other compounds.
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Where nitrogen-fixing bacteria are located:
- They are mainly found in the soil and in root nodules of some plants, like legumes (e.g., peanuts, beans).
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Nitrogen Cycle - How soil nitrogen converts back into atmospheric nitrogen:
- Denitrification by bacteria converts nitrates (NOââ») back into nitrogen gas (Nâ), releasing it into the atmosphere.
Limiting Factors:
Density-Dependent:
- Competition for resources
- Disease spread
- Predation
- Stress from overcrowding
Density-Independent:
- Natural disasters (like floods or wildfires)
- Weather conditions (like droughts or extreme temperatures)
- Human activities (like deforestation)