1. Nutrient Cycles & Pollution Ecology K. Stacker
SEV1. Students will investigate the flow of energy and cycling of matter within an ecosystem and relate these phenomena to human society.
a. Interpret biogeochemical cycles including hydrologic, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon cycles. Recognize that energy is not recycled in ecosystems.
Essential Question (s):
1). Why are nutrient cycles important?
2). Why is recycling necessary?
3). How do we contribute to pollution?

2. What to Do!
When ever you see this symbol Be prepared to write. Copy Every Question & Answer

3. What materials are recycled in ecosystems and why?
Organic substances such as carbon atoms, found in all living organisms, are constantly recycled.
Inorganic substances like nitrogen, sulfur, calcium, and phosphorus which make up the soil, water, and air are also recycled to help maintain the health of ecosystems.

4. Biochemical Cycles
WATER 5 STEPS
CARBON 3 STEPS
NITROGEN 6 STEPS

5. Water Cycle Condensation 1 2 3 4 5 water vapor forms clouds) D
Evaporation Transpiration
(Water loss from lakes..) (water loss
from plant leaves)
↓ ↓
Condensation
(gas changes to a liquid, &
water vapor forms clouds) ↓
Precipitation
(water returns to Earth
as sleet, rain, snow..)
Surface Runoff
(returns water to bodies of
water or to groundwater) 3 D A B 4 E C 5

6. Oxygen Cycle

7. Carbon Cycle 1 2 3 Plant Leaves take CO2 from air ↓
Plants store C in carbs
and starches
(photosynthesis)
Plants release O2.
Humans & animals release
CO2 back into the air
(cellular respiration)
Decomposers return C to
environment
(Decomposition) 1 2 3

8. Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen Fixation 1 2 3 4 5 6 ↓
Convert nitrogen gas into ammonia
Ammonia converted to nitrates
Plants absorb nitrates to make proteins
Consumers eat plants (with protein)
Decomposers break down dead consumers (organisms) & return nitrogen to air (called ammonification)
Anaerobic bacteria in soil release nitrogen from nitrates into air
(called denitrification) 1 2 3 4 5 6

9. What is Pollution?
Pollution is a chemical or physical change in the air, water, or
soil of an ecosystem that can be harmful to the biotic elements
in an ecosystem.

10. What are the forms of Pollution?

11. What is the Impact of Human Activity?
In your own words summarize the following statements to show how human activity affect the environment:
Earth’s natural resources are being depleted due to large amounts of consumption.
Wildlife habitats are being destroyed due to the clearing of vast areas of forests.
There is a shortage of fresh water due to agriculture, industrial processes, and energy production.
Our air, water, & soil are constantly being polluted
All aspects are in direct relation to population growth

12. What causes Pollution? Pollutants
In your own words summarize the following statements about pollutants:
Undesired impurities that accumulate in the environment (air, water, soil).
Some are biodegradable, able to be decomposed by microorganism
Some are non-biodegradable and linger in the environment (hazardous chem. wastes-poisonous, radioactive, explosive).
Examples: pesticides, solid waste, sewage

13. What is the Greenhouse Effect?
In your own words summarize the following statements:
Extraction of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gases) through mining result in environmental damage
Carbon dioxide is a by-product of burning fuel.
The build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere results in the greenhouse effect, which traps radiation from the sun and heats the Earth
Severe climate changes occur.

14. What is Acid Rain?
In your own words summarize the following statements:
Nitrogen and Sulfur oxides are also produced and emitted into the atmosphere with the use of fossil fuels.
This results in photochemical smog (smoke, gas, and fog) and acid rain (sulfur oxides and water vapor)
The aquatic ecosystems are affected by this change in pH levels

15. Who is Affected? Everyone! Plants Animals Functional Adaptations
Water-limited environments
Light limited environments
Supportive Adaptations
Defensive Adaptations
Structural Adaptation
Teeth
Body Coverings
Movement
Protective Coloration (Camouflage)
Mimicry
Humans
Plants
Animals
Reproductive Adaptations
Annual
Perennial
Preventing self-fertilization
Behavior Adaptations
Social Behavior
Behavior for protection
Migration
Hibernation

16. How Can We Help the Environment?
Our Lifestyles Affect the Environment
Learn about the environment
Conserve energy by walking, riding a bike, or taking public transportation
Recycle-Preserve our Resources
Create rich soil by making compost (leaves, grass, fruit peelings)
More Suggestions!

17. ABIOTIC FACTORS & NUTRIENT CYCLES

18. BIOLOGICALLY SPEAKING: ECOSYSTEMS AND CYCLES IN NATURE