1. Cycles
All organisms need water, minerals, and other life-sustaining materials to survive.
Ex. Hydrologic – necessary for all life
Ex. Carbon – backbone of organic compounds (carbs, lipids, proteins)
Ex. Phosphorus – uprights of DNA ladder
Ex. Nitrogen – needed to make amino acids
Elements, chemical compounds, other forms of matter are passed from one org to another and from one part of the biosphere to another through BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES.

2. The hydrologic cycle Perry Condensation, Precipitation, Infiltration, Runoff, Evaporation

3. Carbon Cycle— Perry Carbon is the KEY ingredient in ALL living things
Volcano
Fossil
Fuels
Decomposition

4. Nitrogen Cycle— Perry Nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere, but must be ‘fixed’ to get in to living systems – ONLY a certain type of bacteria can do this!!!

5. 5 terms to be sure of…
Nitrogen fixation: The incorporation of atmospheric nitrogen by either free-living bacteria in the soil or by bacteria living mutualistically with plant roots.
Ammonification: the conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonium (NH4+) by the action of decomposers (ex. fungi, bacteria).
Nitrification: The chemical process in which a nitrogen group is added to an organic compound. This converts dead organic material into nitrates and nitrites by soil bacteria. Autotrophs use nitrates and nitrites for nutrient needs.
Assimilation: the addition of material to autotrophs for use in matter recycling and flow of energy
Denitrification: the return of nitrogen to the atmosphere by bacteria (convert to gaseous form)

6. Phosphorus Cycle – Perry no atmospheric component at all!