Nutrient Cycles (AQA A-Level Biology): Flashcards
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Practise the cards
10 cards from this deck
How do energy & nutrients differ in ecosystems?
How do energy & nutrients differ in ecosystems?
Energy flows linearly; nutrients cycle continuously
3 elements that cycle in ecosystems
3 elements that cycle in ecosystems
Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus
What are saprobiotic microorganisms?
What are saprobiotic microorganisms?
Decomposers that break down dead organic matter
Form of nutrients absorbed by producers
Form of nutrients absorbed by producers
Simple inorganic molecules or ions
Form of nutrients in living organisms
Form of nutrients in living organisms
Complex organic molecules
Basic sequence of nutrient cycles
Basic sequence of nutrient cycles
Producers → consumers → decomposers → producers
Why are decomposers essential?
Why are decomposers essential?
Convert complex organic to simple inorganic forms plants can use
What happens during decomposition?
What happens during decomposition?
Complex organic molecules broken down to simple inorganic forms
Absorption in nutrient cycling
Absorption in nutrient cycling
Uptake of inorganic molecules by producers
Why can't weathering alone sustain ecosystems?
Why can't weathering alone sustain ecosystems?
Rate too slow to supply sufficient nutrients