Microorganisms in Material Cycling
This page introduces the concept of material cycling and the vital roles microorganisms play in ecological processes. Material cycling involves the breakdown and reuse of biological molecules, preventing the accumulation of dead biomass. Microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi, are essential for decomposition and decay.
In the nitrogen cycle, microorganisms perform four key functions:
- Decomposition
- Nitrogen fixation
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
Similarly, in the carbon cycle, microorganisms contribute through:
- Photosynthesis
- Assisting animal metabolism
- Decomposition
- Decay
The page also outlines the levels of organization in an ecosystem, from individual organisms to entire ecosystems.
Definition: A habitat is a place where an organism lives.
Highlight: Interdependence in a community means that each species relies on others for various needs, such as food, shelter, pollination, and seed dispersal.