Natural cycles and decomposition - Edexcel How materials are cycled in an ecosystem
Materials such as carbon, nitrogen and water are recycled in the ecosystem. When organisms die, decomposition will recycle minerals and nutrients back to the environment.
Atoms exist in different forms or compounds at different times in history and cycle between them. This cycling can be seen in the elementA substance made of one type of atom only. carbon and the compoundA substance formed by the chemical union of two or more elements. water.
Other elements and compounds also exist in cycles. Elements pass along food chains when animals eat plants and other animals. Many humans eat protein in the form of meat from other animals. The body breaks this down into amino acidThe building blocks that make up a protein molecule. and then uses these to make proteinOrganic compound made up of amino acid molecules. One of the three main food groups, proteins are needed by the body for cell growth and repair. within the body for growth and repair. When someone dies these building blocks are returned to the environment to be used by other living organisms.
Decomposing bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms. They help recycle minerals and nutrients to the environment, which can then be used by other organisms. As they decomposeIf a substance decomposes, it breaks down into simpler compounds or elements. dead matter, the decomposers also respireTo engage in respiration, the energy-producing process inside living cells. and so release carbon dioxide to the environment, contributing to the carbon cycleThe processes and events involved in recycling carbon in the environment..
Materials cycle through both the non-living abioticNon-living elements of an ecosystem, such as climate, temperature, water, and soil type. and living bioticLiving elements of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals. factors within the ecosystemA community of animals, plants and microorganisms, together with the habitat where they live..