Biogeochemical cycles are also called

Options

A. gaseous cycles
B. sedimentary cycles
C. material cycles
D. water cycles

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Biogeochemical Cycles**: Biogeochemical cycles are natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment.

2. **Alternative Names**: These cycles are commonly referred to by different names based on their characteristics. They can be called:
- Gaseous cycles (like the nitrogen and oxygen cycles)
- Sedimentary cycles (like the phosphorus cycle)
- Material cycles (as they involve the cycling of materials through ecosystems)
- Water cycles (specifically referring to the water cycle)

3. **Cycle of Matter**: Biogeochemical cycles can also be referred to as the "cycle of matter" because they involve the recycling of matter in various forms, linking living organisms (biotic components) with non-living elements (abiotic components).

4. **Types of Biogeochemical Cycles**: There are four major types of biogeochemical cycles:
- **Water Cycle**: Involves processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
- **Carbon Cycle**: Involves the transfer of carbon among living organisms, the atmosphere, and the earth.
- **Nitrogen Cycle**: Involves the conversion of nitrogen into various chemical forms as it circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems.
- **Oxygen Cycle**: Involves the movement of oxygen through the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, biogeochemical cycles are also known as "material cycles" as they encompass the recycling of essential elements and compounds that are vital for life.