Matter cycles through ecosystems.

1. Matter cycles through ecosystems. Chapter 1 Section 2: Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle

2. Carbon cycles through ecosystems. • Carbon is an element found in all living things. • Carbon Cycle: the continuous movement of carbon through Earth, its atmosphere, and the living things on Earth

3. Carbon cycles through ecosystems. • Plants use Carbon Dioxide in photosynthesis to make sugar • Animals release Carbon Dioxide during respiration • When living things die and decay the rest of the carbon that makes up living things is released

4. Carbon cycles through ecosystems. • Marine organisms release carbon dioxide during respiration • Carbon is also deposited on the ocean floor when organisms die

5. Carbon cycles through ecosystems. • Remains of plants and animals are buried for millions of years and decay slowly changing into fossil fuels • This carbon returns to the atmosphere by combustion, the burning of fossil fuels

8. Nitrogen cycles through ecosystems. • Nitrogen cycle: continuous cycle of nitrogen through Earth, its atmosphere, and the living things on Earth • Nitrogen is a clear, colorless, gas

9. Nitrogen cycles through ecosystems. • Plants take in certain nitrogen compounds through their roots • Lightening strikes change nitrogen into a form that plants can use that falls to the ground when it rains • Nitrogen-fixing bacteria live in oceans and soil when organisms die, decomposers break them down releasing the nitrogen