Term
|
Definition
Precipitation- liquid returning to Earth
Evaporation- water to gas
Condensation- gas to liquid (clouds) |
|
|
Term
| [image]Carbon Cycle[image] |
|
Definition
| photosynthesis is the major method for bringing carbon into the living organisms and onto land, major methods for carbon to return to the air:cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide, combustion from fires, and decomposers eating detritus |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| much of carbon is stored in shells of ocean creatures as calcium carbonate or fossil fuels in the ground, carbon causes pollution and CO2 if too much in air |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| nitrogen fixation- bacteria converts nitrogen gas into ammonia compounds in the soil, produces then absorb nitrogen compounds to make amino acids which are eaten with consumers, decomposition of dead organisms and waste products return nitrogen to the soil |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| denitrifying bacteria breaks down the dead material and returns the nitrogen to the air, 78% of the air is composed of nitrogen which makes the sky blue, nitrogen fixing is bringing it in and denitrifying is releasing |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| too many nutrients are running off into lakes/ponds/streams/rivers and there is an overgrowth of algae and bacteria at the surface of the water environment, leading to depletion of oxygen levels in the water and overgrown plant life can suffocate organisms in the water |
|
|
