Cycling of Matter
Picture Vocabulary
Matter and Energy
Biomass
Material from living or recently living organisms
composed of a mixture of organic molecules containing
hydrogen, carbon, often nitrogen, and small quantities
of other atoms.
Compost Bin
A container that holds organic matter while it is
decomposed by fungi and bacteria, converting
it into soil.
Decay
The natural process or result of being slowly
broken down or decomposed, chiefly by
bacteria and fungi.
Decomposers
Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break
down the remains of dead plants and animals, without
need for internal digestion.
Bacteria
Prokaryotic, single-celled organisms that lack a
membrane-enclosed nucleus and can be
classified by shape.
Fungi
Microorganisms important as decomposers;
widely distributed and can break down just about
any type of organic matter.
Microorganisms
Organisms too small to be seen by the unaided
human eye, such as bacteria and fungi.
Detritivore
An organism that feeds on and breaks down dead
plant or animal matter; includes decomposers
(bacteria and fungi) as well as larger organisms such
as insects and worms, serving as primary consumers
in a food chain.
Water Cycle
The movement of water through the atmosphere, the
ground, bodies of water, and living things; the
continuous movement of water above, on, and below
Earth’s surface.
Carbon Cycle
The cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the
soil, biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and
atmosphere of Earth.
Nitrogen Cycle
The process by which nitrogen is converted between its
various chemical forms as it is exchanged among the
soil, biosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere of Earth.