1. organic matter Brittlestar nutrient cycle decomposition (by bacteria) Oxygen Plant production (microscopic algae) Nutrients * Brittlestars feed on organic matter and create organic wastes (faeces and mucous etc.) Brittlestars excrete nutrients Brittlestars mix up the sediments helping the decomposition process Brittlestars feed on plants Brittlestars use oxygen to breathe Oxygen During photosynthesis plants produce oxygen When organic matter decomposes, nutrients are released Oxygen is used up when organic matter is decomposed Plants produce organic matter using energy from the sun. Plants require nutrients for photosynthesis

2. Brittlestar Nutrient Cycle An example of how nutrients flow in a cycle under the sea ice at New Harbour.

3. organic matter Brittlestar nutrient cycle decomposition (by bacteria) Oxygen Plant production (microscopic algae) Nutrients * Brittlestars feed on organic matter and create organic wastes (faeces and mucous etc.) Brittlestars excrete nutrients Brittlestars feed on plants Oxygen

4. organic matter Brittlestar nutrient cycle decomposition (by bacteria) Oxygen Plant production (microscopic algae) Nutrients * Brittlestars feed on organic matter and create organic wastes (faeces and mucous etc.) Brittlestars excrete nutrients Brittlestars mix up the sediments helping the decomposition process Brittlestars feed on plants Brittlestars use oxygen to breathe Oxygen During photosynthesis plants produce oxygen When organic matter decomposes, nutrients are released Oxygen is used up when organic matter is decomposed Plants produce organic matter using energy from the sun. Plants require nutrients for photosynthesis