Ecosystem: nutrient cycles

Objectives
1. Know that nutrients cycle in ecosystems, and contrast the
characteristics of gaseous and sedimentary cycles. [G1]
2. Describe the major features of the carbon cycle, as a single
cycle for ecological purposes. [G1]
3. Know the amounts of carbon added to the atmosphere from
natural and human sources, the increasing atmospheric
concentration of CO2, and ecological consequences. [W2]
4. Understand the nitrogen cycle as a double cycle, of
nitrification and use by plants, and of nitrogen fixation and
denitrification. [G1]
5. Describe the phosphorus cycle as a double cycle, of
biological use and of sedimentation and erosion. [G1]

Simplified carbon cycle.

Atmospheric CO2 in Hawaii, 1958-2003.

Source: Raven & Berg (2006) Environment (5th edition). Wiley.

Current and projected range of beech trees in North America

Source: Raven & Berg (2006) Environment (5th edition). Wiley.

Simplified nitrogen cycle.

Simplified phosphorus cycle.