Nutrients undergo recurring use and storage {ecological cycle}. Carbon atoms circulate between organism organic molecules and environment carbon dioxide and calcium carbonate {carbon cycle, ecology}. Nitrogen atoms circulate between organism proteins and environment nitrogen gas, nitrates, and nitrites {nitrogen cycle, ecology}. Phosphorus atoms circulate between organism organic phosphates and environment mineral phosphates {phosphorus cycle}. Water molecules circulate between organism cells and intracellular fluids and environment oceans, clouds, and fresh water {water cycle, ecology}.
Nutrients leave and return {cycling pool} {exchange pool} from and to reservoir pools. Detritus and excrement recycle nutrients.
Nutrients are in ocean, atmosphere, and crust {reservoir pool}.
Energy circulates between organism organic-molecule bonds and environment heat and sunlight {energy cycle, ecology}. Ecosystems have energy flows.
If energy and material inflow balances energy and material outflow, the minimal material limits species-organism number or size {Liebig's law of the minimum} {Liebig law of the minimum}.
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Date Modified: 2022.0225