Question

For each of the four biogeochemical cycles in Figure 55.14, draw a simple diagram that shows one possible path for an atom of that chemical from abiotic to biotic reservoirs and back.

Short answer

In ecology, the term biogeochemical cycle can be described as the cyclic movement of nutrients between the world’s biotic components and abiotic components. Every nutrient has its distinct biogeochemical cycle; this cyclic flow helps in maintaining the nutrient concentration at different ecosystem units.

Step-by-step solution

Biogeochemical cycles

In ecology, the term biogeochemical cycle can be described as the cyclic movement of nutrients between the world’s biotic components and abiotic components. Every nutrient has its distinct biogeochemical cycle; this cyclic flow helps in maintaining the nutrient concentration at different ecosystem units.

Abiotic and biotic components

The world consists of various life forms, and along with these, several non-living entities are also present. The life-forms of the world (both microscopic and macroscopic) are denoted as biotic components, while the non-living entities (such as soil, water, temperature) are denoted as abiotic components.

Different biogeochemical cycles

The biogeochemical cycle of different nutrients has a different pattern, but each cycle shares a common factor; that is, the nutrients always have a path back to their starting point, and it does not stay concentrated at any point.

A portion of the biogeochemical cycles of an atom of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus is given below in a simplified form to depict how these nutrients are cycled in nature.