| A | B |
|---|
| ammonification | when the proteins and DNA of dead organisms is broken down and the nitrogen is released as ammonia |
| biogeochemical cycles | when chemicals or elements are recycled and reused in the ecosystem |
| carbon cycle | the movement of carbon through the process of photosynthesis and respiration |
| denitrification | nitrogen returning to the atmosphere |
| ground water | water in the soil or in underground formations of porous rock |
| nitrification | when bacteria in the soil soak up ammonia and oxidize it into usable nitrogen |
| nitrogen cycle | the complex pathway that nitrogen follows in with in an ecosystem |
| nitrogen fixation | the process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrate |
| nitrogen-fixing bacteria | bacteria that are capable of converting nitrogen gas into a usable form |
| transpiration | evaporation of water from the leaves of trees |
| water cycle | the movement of water between various natural reservoirs. |
| precipitation | rain, sleet, snow |
| condensation | gaseous water cooling and changing into liquid water |
| evaporation | liquid water changing forms into gas form. |
