Biogeochemical cycles recycle water and natural elements throughout the biosphere to ensure that organisms do not run out of these substances.
A diagram of the Carbon Cycle. A diagram of an aquatic biome. Arrows point from one step to the next. Food to Fish to Ammonium N H (subscript 4 baseline superscript + baseline). Ammonium to Nitrates (N O subscript 2 baseline superscript minus baseline) (Nitrosomonas) and growing plant. Plant to decomposing plant and animal matter. Nitrates to Nitrates (Nitrospira) (N O subscript 3 baseline superscript minus baseline) to plant and Water change.
Diagram by NASA/Kevin Saff Diagram by Ilmari Karonen
Which of the following processes plays an important role in cycling carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus?
photosynthesis
transpiration
decomposition
respiration
decomposition
The processes of photosynthesis, decomposition, and respiration all play important roles in cycling carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into organic carbon compounds.
- Decomposition is the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. During this process, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stored in dead plants and animals are released back into the environment as nutrients.
- Respiration is the process by which organisms release energy from organic compounds, such as glucose, by combining it with oxygen. This releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere and returns nitrogen and phosphorus compounds to the soil or water.
Together, these processes are important in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, helping to maintain the availability of these elements for living organisms in the biosphere.