Eco cycles

Types of matter 

Biotic living components of an ecosystem 

Abiotic non living components of an ecosystem 

Organic matter makes up all living things contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen 

Rest of matter referred to as inorganic.

Water cycle- water cycle driven by the sun - causes evaporation 98% is found in salt water 

Transpiration - loss of water from plants.

The snow melts and the water runs off into the sea and is evaporated and forms clouds. From their it rain back down onto the mountain forming lakes and snow and it starts again.

Carbon cycle 

Found in all living organisms 

Found in atmosphere as carbon dioxide 

Carbon dioxide used in plants to produce sugar via photosynthesis 

Glucose eaten by animals 

Returns to a gas as carbon dioxide produced during cellular respiration or decomposition of dead material.

Also returns via burning of fossil fuels .

Nitrogen cycle 

78% atmosphere nitrogen

Needs to undergo nitrogen fixation via lightening strikes to change to nitrates.

Nitrate dissolves in the rain water and used by plants

Eaten by animals 

Returns to ecosystem via urine.

Core science questions

1. Define the terms ‘scavenger’ and ‘decomposer’ 

A scavenger eats the leftovers of carcass

A decomposes is a fungi that gets rid off the bodies nutrients decomposes it.

1. Identify the process that removes carbon dioxide from the air and converts it to food.

Photosynthesis 

1. Explain why transpiration is necessary in plants.

To move the water around the plants from the roots to the leaves.

1. Identify the organisms that are responsible for absorbing nitrogen from the air.

Plants, animals and some forms of fungi.

1. Explain why animals and plants need nitrogen.