Match the name of the stage to the correct description. Not all words will be used.

A. Evaporation
B. Transpiration
C. Condensation
D. Precipitation
E. Runoff
F. Infiltration
G. Combustion
H. Photosynthesis
I. Cellular respiration
J. Consumption
K. Decomposition
L. Fossilization
M. Nitrogen fixation
N. Ammonification
O. Denitrification
P. Nitrification

1. When water returns to the atmosphere via plants.
(B. Transpiration)

2. A step in the carbon cycle that didn't really exist before the industrial revolution.
(G. Combustion)

3. When nitrogen gets captured from the atmosphere by bacteria or even lightning.
(M. Nitrogen fixation)

4. Water is absorbed underground and can be stored in aquifers.
(F. Infiltration)

5. Water is not absorbed underground but collects on the surface of the earth.
(E. Runoff)

6. Fungi and bacteria return nutrients from dead organisms to the soil.
(K. Decomposition)

7. Bacteria in the roots of plants convert nitrogen into usable forms, such as NO.
(M. Nitrogen fixation)

8. Organisms eat other organisms as a food source.
(J. Consumption)

9. Organisms capture sunlight and store the solar energy as chemical energy in molecules like carbohydrates.
(H. Photosynthesis)

10. When nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere by bacteria as N₂.
(O. Denitrification)

11. Water falls from the sky as snow, ice, or rain.
(D. Precipitation)

12. When organisms break down carbon-based molecules for energy and release CO₂ as a result.
(I. Cellular respiration)

Part 3: List an example of human impact on each of the cycles.

13. Water cycle: Deforestation leading to increased runoff and reduced transpiration.

14. Carbon cycle: Burning fossil fuels, releasing excess CO₂ into the atmosphere.

15. Nitrogen cycle: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers leading to water pollution.