Question

Define the biogeochemical cycle.

Answer 1

Biogeochemical cycles:

1. The term ‘Biogeochemical’ arises from ‘bio’ which refers to living organisms and ‘geo’ referring to rocks, soil air, and water.
2. The pathways through which elements such as water, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen move from the environment to living organisms and are returned to the environment are termed biogeochemical pathways.
3. This involves the fixation of inorganic atmospheric elements by assimilating them into an organic form and the subsequent return to the atmosphere.
4. The biogeochemical cycles help maintain a balanced relationship between the availability and usage of elements in the atmosphere.