Matter cycles through ecosystems. Chapter 1 Section 2: Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen Cycle

Carbon cycles through ecosystems.  Carbon is an element found in all living things.  Carbon Cycle: the continuous movement of carbon through Earth, its atmosphere, and the living things on Earth

Carbon cycles through ecosystems.  Plants use Carbon Dioxide in photosynthesis to make sugar  Animals release Carbon Dioxide during respiration  When living things die and decay the rest of the carbon that makes up living things is released

Carbon cycles through ecosystems.  Marine organisms release carbon dioxide during respiration  Carbon is also deposited on the ocean floor when organisms die

Carbon cycles through ecosystems.  Remains of plants and animals are buried for millions of years and decay slowly changing into fossil fuels  This carbon returns to the atmosphere by combustion, the burning of fossil fuels

Nitrogen cycles through ecosystems.  Nitrogen cycle: continuous cycle of nitrogen through Earth, its atmosphere, and the living things on Earth  Nitrogen is a clear, colorless, gas

Nitrogen cycles through ecosystems.  Plants take in certain nitrogen compounds through their roots  Lightening strikes change nitrogen into a form that plants can use that falls to the ground when it rains  Nitrogen-fixing bacteria live in oceans and soil when organisms die, decomposers break them down releasing the nitrogen