Importance of Cycling
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 19.3.1
Recycling Materials
The recycling (using again) of materials is essential as they provide the building blocks for future organisms. Three cycles that are particularly important for living organisms are:
The carbon cycle
- Carbon is present in all living organisms.
- When organisms die, the carbon is recycled so that it can be used by future generations.
The water cycle
- This cycle describes how water moves on, above or just below the surface of our planet between different locations, such as rivers, oceans and the atmosphere.
- For this cycle to be completed, water has to change state.
The nitrogen cycle
- Nitrogen is present in all living organisms.
- It moves through food chains and is recycled when organisms die.
Test yourself on Importance of Cycling
Which of the following is carbon present in?
"When organisms die, the matter in their bodies is recycled for other purposes." What does this describe?