The Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems

2. Flow of Matter (2.3) State Standard • SB4B. Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by • Explaining the need for cycling of major nutrients (C, O, H, N, P).

3. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter CYCLES IN THE BIOSHPHERE • Energy is transformed into usable forms to support the functions of an ecosystem. There must be a constant supply. • Unlike energy, matter is constantly being recycled & reused. • The cycling of nutrients in the biosphere involves both matter in living organisms and physical processes found in the environment such as weathering.

4. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE WATER CYCLE

5. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2

6. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE WATER CYCLE CONT’D • Approximately 90 percent of water vapor evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers; 10 percent evaporates from the surface of plants through a process called transpiration. • Freshwater constitutes only about 3 percent of all water on Earth. • About 69 percent of all freshwater is found in ice caps and glaciers.

7. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE CARBON & OXYGEN CYCLES

8. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2

9. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE CARBON & OXYGEN CYCLES CONT’D • Carbon and oxygen often make up molecules essential for life. • Carbon and oxygen recycle relatively quickly through living organisms. • The carbon & oxygen cycles are closely connected.

10. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE CARBON & OXYGEN CYCLES CONT’D • Carbon has both long & short-term cycles. Long-term Cycle • Organic matter converted to peat, coal, oil, or gas deposits (fossil fuels) – involves C only • Calcium carbonate (limestone) – involves C&O Short-term Cycle • Photsynthesis/Cellular Respiration (C&O) • Burning fossil fuels - involves C only

11. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2

12. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE NITROGEN CYCLE • Nitrogen doesnot have a long-term cycle! • The capture and conversion of nitrogen into a form that is usable by plants is called nitrogenfixation.

13. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE NITROGEN CYCLE CONT’D • Nitrogen enters the food web when plants absorb nitrogen compounds from soil. • Consumers get nitrogen by eating plants or animals that contain nitrogen.

14. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE NITROGEN CYCLE CONT’D • Nitrogen is returned to the soil in several ways: • Animals urinate. • Organisms die. • Organisms convert ammonia into nitrogen compounds. • Denitrification process by which fixed nitrogen compounds are converted back Into nitrogen gas & released

15. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE PHOSPHOROUS CYCLE

16. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2

17. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 2.3 Cycling of Matter THE PHOSPHOROUS CYCLE CONT’D • Phosporous has both long & short-term cycles. Short-term Cycle • Phosphorus is cycled from the soil to producers and then from the producers to consumers. Long-term Cycle • Weathering or erosion of rocks that contain phosphorus slowly adds phosphorus to the cycle.

18. Biogeochemical cycles include the exchange of important elements between the abiotic & biotic parts of an ecosystem. The carbon & oxygen cycles are closely intertwined. SUMMARY 1

19. Nitrogen gas is limited in its ability to enter biotic portions of the environment. Nitrogen is the only 1 that does not have a long-term cycle. SUMMARY 2

22. Principles of Ecology A B C D Chapter 2 CDQ 3 Chapter Diagnostic Questions What is a chemical substance that an organism must obtain from its environment to survive? biomass energy matter nutrient

23. Principles of Ecology A B C D Chapter 2 FQ 7 2.3 Formative Questions What type of organism returns nutrients to an ecosystem? decomposer primary producer secondary producer top level consumer

24. Principles of Ecology A B C D Chapter 2 FQ 8 2.3 Formative Questions What type of scientist studies water found underground, in the atmosphere, and on the surface of the earth? biochemist ecologist geologist hydrologist

25. Principles of Ecology A B C D Chapter 2 FQ 9 2.3 Formative Questions Which biogeochemical cycle involves evaporation, transpiration, precipitationand runoff? carbon cycle nitrogen cycle phosphorus cycle water cycle

26. Principles of Ecology A B C D Chapter 2 FQ 10 2.3 Formative Questions Which process in this cycle converts carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates? photosynthesis respiration combustion of fossil fuels deposition of dead material

27. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 CAQ 3 Chapter Assessment Questions Use the image below to explain how decomposers supply phosphorus to soil, groundwater, oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers.

28. Principles of Ecology Answer: All organisms contain phosphorus. When organisms die or produce waste products, decomposers return the phosphorus to the soil where it can be used again. Chapter 2 CAQ 4 Chapter Assessment Questions

29. Principles of Ecology Chapter 2 CAQ 5 Chapter Assessment Questions The diagram shows how carbon cycles through the environment. Describe how photosynthesis is involved in the carbon cycle.

30. Principles of Ecology Answer: During photosynthesis, green plants and algae convert carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates and release oxygen into the air. The plants use the carbohydrates for energy. Carbon dioxide is released back into the air through cellular respiration. Chapter 2 CAQ 6 Chapter Assessment Questions

31. Principles of Ecology A B C D Chapter 2 STP 5 Standardized Test Practice Which process returns nitrogen to the food web? decomposition denitrification nitrification nitrogen fixation