Key Concepts: Cycling of Matter

Biogeochemical Cycles

Unlike energy, matter is recycled through ecosystems in biogeochemical cycles.

• Water Cycle: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection
• Carbon Cycle: Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion
• Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification
• Phosphorus Cycle: Weathering of rocks, uptake by organisms, decomposition

Key Concept

Matter is never created or destroyed, only transformed and recycled through living and non-living components of the ecosystem.