What is the nitrogen cycle?
The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, allowing it to be used by living organisms.
What is nitrogen fixation?
Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas (N₂) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH₃) by bacteria.
What is nitrification?
Nitrification is the conversion of ammonia (NH₃) into nitrate (NO₃⁻) by bacteria in the soil, making nitrogen available to plants.
What is denitrification?
Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates (NO₃⁻) back into nitrogen gas (N₂), returning it to the atmosphere.
What is ammonification?
Ammonification is the conversion of organic nitrogen in dead organisms and waste products into ammonia (NH₃) by decomposers.
What is the carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.
What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis, converting it into glucose for energy and growth.
What is respiration in the carbon cycle?
Respiration is the process by which living organisms, including plants and animals, release carbon dioxide (CO₂) back into the atmosphere.
What is the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle?
The ocean acts as a major carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and storing it in dissolved form.
What is combustion in the carbon cycle?
Combustion is the burning of fossil fuels and organic matter, which releases stored carbon as carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere.
What is the oxygen cycle?
The oxygen cycle is the process by which oxygen is exchanged between the atmosphere, living organisms, and the Earth's crust.
What role do plants play in the oxygen cycle?
Plants produce oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct of photosynthesis, releasing it into the atmosphere.
What is the role of respiration in the oxygen cycle?
During respiration, living organisms consume oxygen (O₂) and release carbon dioxide (CO₂).
What is the relationship between the carbon and oxygen cycles?
The carbon and oxygen cycles are closely linked through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, as plants take in CO₂ and release O₂, while animals take in O₂ and release CO₂.
How does the oxygen cycle affect the ozone layer?
Oxygen (O₂) in the upper atmosphere is converted into ozone (O₃), which forms the ozone layer and protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation.
What is the water cycle?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, driven by the sun's energy.
What is evaporation in the water cycle?
Evaporation is the process by which water is heated by the sun and changes from a liquid to a gas, rising into the atmosphere.
What is condensation in the water cycle?
Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.
What is precipitation in the water cycle?
Precipitation is water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
What is transpiration in the water cycle?
Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and released as water vapor from their leaves.
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