Nutrient Cycles

aka: BioGeoChemical Cycles

Living things require both a source of energy and a source of matter in order to survive.

Both energy and matter move through ecosystems by moving through food chains but matter moves from one place to another by other means as well.

Energy flow through ecosystems is one way, while matter flows in cycles.

Matter cycles through….

Atmosphere

Hydrosphere Biosphere

Lithosphere

The Water (hydrologic cycle) = one example of a biogeochemical cycle

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is an important element found in all living things in the form of carbohydrates

fats

proteins

One way that Carbon travels in the carbon cycle is through food chains

CO2

Several chemical reactions move carbon : photosynthesis, (cellular) respiration, decomposition and combustion.

Photosynthesis and Respiration

are “reversible”, “reciprocal” or “complementary” processes (they are the same forward and backward).

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis involves plants taking carbon in the form of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and then releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis occurs in plants in a specialized organelle called a chloroplast.

The word equation for photosynthesis is:

Carbon Dioxide + Water + Sunlight Carbohydrate + Oxygen

(energy) (glucose)

•The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

Respiration

Respiration involves all living things (producers, consumers and decomposers) taking oxygen from the atmosphere and then releasing carbon in the form of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Respiration occurs in a specialized

organelle called a mitochondrion.

The word equation for respiration is: Carbohydrate + Oxygen Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy

(glucose) (cellular)

• The chemical equation for respiration is:

The Carboniferous Period

Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere results in

an increased greenhouse effect

Adding and Subtracting Carbon from the Carbon Cycle

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is affected by the amount of photosynthesis, respiration and decomposition.

Other processes like volcanic activity, sedimentation, combustion/burning, erosion/weathering and dissolving/absorption also affect the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Carbon Sources and Sinks• Sinks subtract carbon from the atmosphere• Sources add carbon to the atmosphere

Adding and Subtracting Carbon

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=PANwoCV5WugyMM&tbnid=v3DIoQlTbEUTxM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.marietta.edu/~biol/102/ecosystem.html&ei=FW9lUpCnKuf0iQKL3ICYBg&bvm=bv.54934254,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNH3onmMq48CNd4qwKuDJaQpd0Dc2Q&ust=1382465633093109

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=XgDZOe0B5UOOeM&tbnid=XCJBDKGkRrj7MM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/climateChange/general/carbonStory.html&ei=H_9fUtqdJKrfiAKW0ICYAw&bvm=bv.54934254,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNFCAH4Pogum0HP-_F2IQQM-5Z2fYQ&ust=1382109204567131

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=KYveNiXnyXcaLM&tbnid=osyjgExssN38_M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.shmoop.com/ecology/carbon-cycle.html&ei=6v9fUrTsLImkiQLlioHABA&bvm=bv.54934254,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNFCAH4Pogum0HP-_F2IQQM-5Z2fYQ&ust=1382109204567131

Video and Animation links

• http://epa.gov/climatestudents/basics/today/carbon-dioxide.html

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrIr3xDhQ0E&safe=active

• http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/multimedia/uploads/intro-biology/Ccycle2.html

• http://

www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/The-Ocean-in-Action/Sci-Media/Animations-and-Interactives/Carbon-cycle

Assignment

• Do worksheets on pages 8 - 12

Worksheet p. 8

Statement Photosynthesis

Respiration

Occurs in plants only Yes

Occurs in all living things Yes

Occurs in chloroplasts Yes

Occurs in mitochondria Yes

Uses sunlight Yes

Produces cellular energy Yes

Part of carbon cycle Yes Yes

1.Process Carbon Source or Carbon Sink???

Forest Fires SourceDecomposition Source

Respiration SourcePhotosynthesis Sink Sedimentation Sink

Diffusing into Ocean Sink Erosion Source

Diffusing out of Ocean SourceDriving cars Source

Factory Emissions SourceErupting Volcano Source

Making limestone rocks Sink Fossil fuel trapped beneath the Earth Sink

Clams making their shells Sink Planting trees/Reforestation Sink Dead stuff that isn’t decaying Sink

Burning Fossil Fuels Source

• 2. Carbon and Climate are related: increased CO2 in atmosphere = increased greenhouse effect = increased warming = climate change

• 3. In the carboniferous period, tons of dead organic matter was trapped and then compressed (it did not decay). The compressed organic matter was converted to fossil fuels.

• 4. If no sunlight – less photosynthesis – increased death of organisms – increased decay – increased CO2 in atmosphere – climate change

• 5. What can we do – reduce, reuse, recycle, use energy efficient devices, car pool, mass transit, ride a bike, plant trees, use alternative energy sources, etc

Inconvenient Truth Movie

• Link to answer key:• http://shaftesbury20fscience.pbworks.com/w/

file/fetch/70107922/inconvenient%20truth%20focus%20questions%20-%20key.pdf