Question

Ecosystems are maintained by cycling nutrients through biogeochemical cycles; some are gas and others are sedimentary. Consider the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles; a) identify whether each is a gas or sedimentary cycle; b) what significant impacts does each have on human society.

Answer 1

Nutrient cycling is one of the important functions of the ecosystem. Various minerals are cycled between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystem.

Biogeochemical cycle means:

Bio = living

Geo = rock/ earth

Chemical = minerals

Cycle = pathway

Theere are mainly two types of cycles:- 1. Gaseous cycles-- it includes cycling of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen etc.

2. Sedimentary cycles--phosphorus, calcium etc.

a) So, nitrogen is gaseous cycle while phosphorus is sedimentary cycle.

b) Impact: Both gaseous and sedimentary cycles play very significant role for human existence. It directly or indirectly affect the various requirements of human. Human need various nutrients which are fulfilled by these cycles such as nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, calcium, carbon etc.

Thus we can say that Biogeochemical cycles are very important for human societies.