Cycling of Materials The Carbon Cycle – the process by which

carbon is cycled between the atmosphere, land, water and organisms.

Carbon is necessary for life. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates all contain carbon.

Carbon Cycle Short Term – when consumers eat producers,

the consumers obtain carbon from the carbohydrates.

Carbon Cycle Long Term – carbon is converted into

carbonates, the hard parts of bones and shells. These do not break down easily.

Some carbohydrates are converted into fats, oils, and other molecules that store energy. These deposits are known as fossil fuels.

The Carbon Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is used to build proteins, which

build new cells. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the gases in

the atmosphere. Nitrogen must be fixed by nitrogen-fixing

bacteria in order for living organisms to obtain nitrogen.

The Nitrogen Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus is contained in many molecules

that make up the cells of living organisms. The cycling of phosphorus occurs mostly in

the environment and does not usually occur in the atmosphere.

The Phosphorus Cycle

Human Impact Carbon – burning of fossil fuels.

Global warming

Acid Rain

Nitrogen and Phosphorus – used in fertilizers

Runoff causes algal blooms which destroys aquatic ecosystems by depleting oxygen.

Nitrogen- Acid Rain