How Materials are Cycled Flashcards
All 6 cards in this deck
Which processes return carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide?
Respiration (of plants, animals and decomposers) and combustion of fuels.
Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis by plants and algae, which converts carbon dioxide into glucose and other carbon compounds.
What is the role of microorganisms in cycling materials through an ecosystem?
They decompose dead organisms and waste, returning carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by respiration and mineral ions to the soil.
What are the steps of the water cycle?
e.g. starting with water in the sea
- Energy from the Sun evaporates water from the seas and land, forming water vapour.
- The vapour rises, cools and condenses into clouds, then falls as precipitation (rain or snow).
- This fresh water is used by plants and animals on land before draining back into the seas.
True or false? Materials in the living world are used once and then lost.
False. All materials are recycled to provide the building blocks for future organisms.
True or false? Only animals respire, so only animals return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
False. Plants, algae and decomposing microorganisms respire and release carbon dioxide too.