| Term | Definition |
|---|
| First Law of thermodynamics | energy is neither created nor destroyed, but may be converted from one form to another |
| Second Law of thermodynamics | when energy is changged from one form to another, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy (usually waste heat) |
| Natural Radioactive decay | unstable radioisotopes decay releasing gamma rays, alpha & beta particles |
| Nitrogen fixing | because atmospheric N cannot be used directly by plants it must first be converted into ammonia by bacteria |
| Ammonification | decomposers convert organic waste into ammonia |
| Nitrification | ammonia is converted to nitrate ions (NO3-) |
| Assimilation | inorganic N is converted into organic molecules such as DNA/amino acids & proteins |
| Denitrification | bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) back into N |
| Phosphorus does not circulate as easily as N because | it does not exist as a gas, but is released by weathering of phsophate rocks |
| Photosynthesis | plants convert atmospheric C (CO2) into complex carbohydrates (glucose C6H12O6) |
| Aerobic respiration | oxygen consuming producers, consumers & decomposers break down complex organic compunds & convert C back into CO2 |
| Largest reservoirs of C | carbonate CO3- rocks first, oceans second |
| Producer/Autotroph | photosynthetic life |
| Energy flow in food webs | only 10% of the usable energy is transferred because usable energy lost as heat (2nd law), not all biomass is digested & absorbed, predators expend energy to catch prey |
| Biome | large distinct terrestrial region having similar climate, soil, plants & animals |
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