1. Cycles in Nature
Energy in nature flows one way, but it can be replaced – by the sun
Matter must be recycled – law of conservation of matter
water cycle
carbon cycle
nitrogen cycle
phosphorus cycle

2. Remember…
Biological systems don't use up matter, they transform it!

3. Water Cycle

4. Water Cycle H2O in atmosphere H2O in ground & ocean Root Uptake
Transpiration
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
Runoff
Seepage

5. Carbon Cycle

6. Carbon Cycle CO2 in atmosphere CO2 in ocean
Carbonate rocks & fossil fuels in ground
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Feeding
Deposition
Respiration
Human Activity
Volcanic Activity

7. Nitrogen Cycle

8. Nitrogen Cycle N2 in atmosphere Nitrates & Ammonia in ground
Denitrification by bacteria – convert to nitrogen gas
Producer Uptake
Feeding
Deposition
Nitrogen Fixation by bacteria- nitrogen gas (N2) to ammonia (NH3)
Fertilizer
NITROGEN FIXATION

9. Phosphorus Cycle

10. Phosphorus Part of DNA and RNA (nucleic acids)
Does not enter the atmosphere
Among land and ocean
Mostly in rocks and soils
Plants absorb it from soil or water

12. Nutrient Limitation Too little nutrients will restrict growth
LIMITING NUTRIENT
When an ecosystem is lacking of a needed nutrient.
This is often why fertilizer is used!

13. Over-fertilization Runoff of nutrients into water sources
More nutrients in waterProducers (algae) grow and reproduce fasternot enough consumers to eat excess producers. “algal bloom”

14. Hog farms in NC WASTE LAGOON
“Atmospheric pollution and runoff resulting from hog operations in eastern North Carolina have substantially increased nitrogen pollution in the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, waters already saturated with more nitrogen than they can handle,” said EDF scientist Dr. Joe Rudek. “These waters are considered among the nation’s premier fishing grounds and an essential draw for North Carolina’s $2 billion coastal tourism industry.”
-EDF (Env. Def. Fund)

15. Is urinating in ponds bad?
Can it kill fish?
Click for answer!