Question

Biogeochemical cycles are also known as
A. Cycles of matter
B. Sedimentary cycles
C. Material cycling
D. Gaseous cycles

Answer 1

The term biogeochemical is derived from three words i.e., “bio” which means biosphere, “geo” which means geological components, and “chemical” which means elements that move through the cycle. Thus, biogeochemical cycles refer to the cycling of nutrients and other elements between the biotic and abiotic factors.

Complete answer:
Option (A) is correct. Biogeochemical cycles are also known as cycles of matter as these cycles link together the living component i.e., organisms and the abiotic features on Earth through the movement of nutrients and elements.
Option (B) is incorrect. A sedimentary cycle is a cycle which involves the weathering of rocks, followed by erosion of minerals, their transport, and deposition. This cycle is a part of the biogeochemical cycle and cannot be considered as a whole biogeochemical cycle.
Option (C) is incorrect. The biogeochemical cycle cannot be referred to as material cycling because the cycling of material does not involve the linking of biotic and abiotic factors.
Option (D) is incorrect. The gaseous cycle refers to gas transfer and conversion between different biogeochemical reservoirs, lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Thus, the biogeochemical cycle does not refer to the gaseous cycles because the gaseous cycle is a part of the biogeochemical cycle and does not represent the whole process of the biogeochemical cycle.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Biogeochemical cycles are also known as cycles of matter. These cycles are divided into two types i.e., gaseous and sedimentary cycles. The main reservoir of the element in the gaseous cycle is air or water while in the sedimentary cycle; it is the crust of Earth.