Systems, or networks of interdependent components, function in cycles, so each component or element of the cycle can influence another. Feedback loops are the increase (positive loops) or decrease (negative loops) in a process or component and the fluctuation of any element of the cycle with affect the whole. Different loops interact within ecosystems and create what is referred to as “dynamic equilibrium.” In an elk population, if there is an abundance of elk being born and continuing to reproduce, it will create a healthy and large population, which is a positive feedback loop. The elk provides nutrition for people and other animals, including wolves or coyotes; so excess elk can be helpful to provide caloric energy for other animals (positive feedback loop).
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Pick one of the five biogeochemical cycles we discussed in class and tell me:
a. What purpose does this cycle serve for the earth and its organisms?
The carbon cycle, or more specifically, carbon, is a major constitute in a multitude of functions throughout the world in various ecosystems. Carbon is included in matter such as fossil fuels or vital molecules like DNA and RNA where it regulates genetic reproduction in organisms.
b. Where is it stored?
Carbon is stored on the planet earth as organic molecules (often sugar molecules) in living or deceased organisms. In fact, carbon can often take decades to fully leave the abiotic form and sink into the soil. Carbon may also surface or be stored a gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, carbon may also be stored in organic matter in the soil or as fossil fuels and sedimentary rock deposits, including limestone, chalk, and dolomite. Finally, carbon may also be stored as dissolved atmospheric carbon and calcium carbonate in marine organisms.
c. In what forms is it stored?
Carbon may be found as a gas (such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere), and as a solid (as in molecules in living and dead organisms or in rock deposits in the
Pick one of the five biogeochemical cycles we discussed in class and tell me:
a. What purpose does this cycle serve for the earth and its organisms?
The carbon cycle, or more specifically, carbon, is a major constitute in a multitude of functions throughout the world in various ecosystems. Carbon is included in matter such as fossil fuels or vital molecules like DNA and RNA where it regulates genetic reproduction in organisms.
b. Where is it stored?
Carbon is stored on the planet earth as organic molecules (often sugar molecules) in living or deceased organisms. In fact, carbon can often take decades to fully leave the abiotic form and sink into the soil. Carbon may also surface or be stored a gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, carbon may also be stored in organic matter in the soil or as fossil fuels and sedimentary rock deposits, including limestone, chalk, and dolomite. Finally, carbon may also be stored as dissolved atmospheric carbon and calcium carbonate in marine organisms.
c. In what forms is it stored?
Carbon may be found as a gas (such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere), and as a solid (as in molecules in living and dead organisms or in rock deposits in the