Definition

Relating to the study of the chemical processes and substances that occur in living organisms and their environments.

Example

The biogeochemical cycles are essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

Conversation

I just started reading about biogeochemical cycles in my science class.

That sounds interesting! What exactly are they?

They explain how nutrients move through ecosystems, like the water cycle.

Wow, I didn’t know it was connected to biogeochemical processes like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

This term refers to the study of how chemical elements and compounds move and change between living organisms and their environment.

Example

The biogeochemical processes in the forest help recycle nutrients essential for plant growth.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term biogeochemical cycles?

Yeah, I think it has to do with how nutrients move through ecosystems.

Exactly! It's fascinating how everything is connected in nature through these biogeochemical processes.

Root Explanation

Biogeochemical is formed from "bio-" (meaning life, from Greek "bios") and "geo-" (meaning earth, from Greek "geō") and "chemical" (from Greek "khēmia", meaning the art of transmuting metals). The word refers to the chemical processes that occur in the biological and geological components of the Earth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bio-' meaning life and 'geo-' meaning earth, combined with 'chemical' to remember that biogeochemical relates to the chemical processes involving life on Earth.

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