Movement of a chemical through the biological and geological parts of an ecosystem is called what?

• A. Biogeochemical cycle
• B. Hydrologic cycle
• C. Predation
• D. Habitat

Answer: (A)

Biogeochemical cycles describe how a chemical moves through living organisms and the nonliving parts of the environment. Elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycle between biotic components (plants, animals, microbes) and abiotic components (air, water, soil, rocks) through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, mineral weathering, and nutrient uptake. This interconnected movement links biology and geology, showing how matter is recycled in ecosystems. The hydrologic cycle focuses specifically on water's movement through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, not the movement of all chemicals. Predation involves feeding relationships, and habitat is the physical place where organisms live, not the cycling of elements.