Define the terms 'scavenger' and 'decomposer'.

Scavengers are animals that feed on dead organisms. Many insects, some birds, fish and
crustaceans are scavengers. They feed off the dead organisms and take in the chemical
compounds that are needed.
Decomposers include many types of bacteria and fungi as well as worms. They break down
dead organ isms and return the atoms in their bodies to the atmosphere or the soil.

Identify the process that removes carbon dioxide from the air and converts it to glucose.
Carbon atoms exist in the atmosphere in carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by
plants, where it is combined with water and turned into glucose molecules.

Explain why transpiration is necessary in plants.

Transpiration occurs because the sun causes water to evaporate from the leaves of plants. If
it did not, water would not move up the inside of the plant and photosynthesis would not
happen.

Identify the organisms that are responsible for converting nitrogen from the air into a
form plants can take up.
Before plants can take up nitrogen, it needs to be converted into a form that can be taken
up by the plant. This job is performed by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, found in soil. Some plants,
including legumes, have nodules on their roots where nitrogen-fixing bacteria live.
Another group of bacteria that play an important role in the nitrogen cycle are nitrifying
bacteria. They help to break down some of the nitrogen-containing compounds including
the waste products from animals.
There is also a group of bacteria that convert the nitrogen in soil into nitrogen gas, putting
the nitrogen back into the atmosphere.

Explain why animals and plants need nitrogen.

Plants and animals need nitrogen atoms for the production of protein.

Identify two sources of phosphates in soil.

Plants take up the phosphate from the soil, so that when animals eat the plants they take in
the phosphate compounds. After they die, the animals and plants decompose and the
phosphates are returned to the soil.

How is the phosphorus cycle different from other nutrient cycles such as the carbon,
nitrogen and water cycles?
The phosphorus cycle involves rocks containing phosphate compounds. As the rocks erode,
the phosphate compounds are incorporated into soil and dissolve in streams, rivers, lakes
and oceans. The carbon, nitrogen and water cycles rely more on atmospheric intervention
and living organisms.

Explain the role played by plants in the carbon cycle.

Carbon is stored in complex molecules in the plant body. When an organism consumes a
plant, it ingests the plant's carbon atoms, which then become part of the organ ism's body.
The carbon is found in the compounds that make up carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When
organisms respire, the carbon atoms combine with oxygen atoms to form carbon dioxide,
which is then released to the atmosphere.

Native Australian plants have adapted to low levels of phosphorus in soils. Their roots
accommodate a fungus that releases phosphates. They also recycle phosphates inside
their leaves. Why is it better to plant native plants in parks and gardens rather than plants
from other countries?
Australian native plants have evolved over thousands of years to adapt to the specific
climate, soil conditions, and rainfall patterns of the region. They have developed water-
saving adaptations that help them survive in arid conditions.

Australian native trees and plants play a vital role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon
dioxide during photosynthesis and storing it as carbon in their biomass and soil. Some native
Australian plants have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria which helps
enrich the soil and promote plant growth without the need for synthetic fertilizers. They
have developed mechanisms to efficiently recycle and utilize phosphorus, an essential
nutrient for plant growth. This reduces the need for phosphorus-based fertilizers, which can
have negative environmental impacts if overused.