Why are the water, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen cycles important to an ecosystem?
Answers
Oxygen, nitrogen, water, and carbon are very important in assisting organisms with survival. Because matter is never created nor destroyed, these substances are recycled and reused again and again within every biome.
The oxygen cycle and the carbon cycle are closely related as they both involve photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Carbon dioxide is taken in by producers to undergo photosynthesis, and oxygen is released as a bi-product. Cellular respiration takes oxygen from the atmosphere and releases carbon dioxide. In the image to the left, you see that carbon makes up all living things. This means that all food contains carbon as well and is transfered from prey to predator through consumption. Once an organism dies, they decompose and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This cycle continues in parallel with life in the ecosystem.