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List four examples of nutrients cycled in biogeochemical cycles. Describe what happens to nutrients and matter in a biogeochemical cycle. Explain how nutrient availability relates to the primary productivity of an ecosystem.
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Step 1
: Identify the four examples of nutrients cycled in biogeochemical cycles.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon are four examples of nutrients that are cycled in biogeochemical cycles.

Step 2
: Describe what happens to nutrients and matter in a biogeochemical cycle.

In a biogeochemical cycle, nutrients and matter are continuously recycled through the Earth's ecosystems, involving various physical, chemical, and biological processes. These processes include: - Mineralization: The breakdown of organic matter into inorganic forms, making nutrients available for uptake by organisms. - Uptake and assimilation: Organisms take up and incorporate nutrients into their biomass through processes like photosynthesis and respiration. - Transport: Nutrients are transported through the environment via water, air, and living organisms, connecting different ecosystems. - Transformation: Nutrients undergo physical and chemical transformations, such as oxidation and reduction, which alter their forms and properties. - Deposition and burial: Nutrients are deposited and buried in sediments, eventually becoming part of the Earth's geological record.

Final Answer

1. Four examples of nutrients cycled in biogeochemical cycles are nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon. 2. In a biogeochemical cycle, nutrients and matter undergo various physical, chemical, and biological processes, including mineralization, uptake and assimilation, transport, transformation, deposition, and burial. 3. Nutrient availability significantly impacts the primary productivity of an ecosystem, as it influences the growth and reproduction of primary producers. In ecosystems with high nutrient availability, primary productivity tends to be higher, while in ecosystems with limited nutrient availability, primary productivity tends to be lower.