8

Science
Quarter 4 – Module 6:
Biogeochemical Cycles
Science – Grade 8
Quarter 3 – Module 6: Biogeochemical Cycles
First Edition, 2021

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the
Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks,
etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has
been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective
copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education – Region XI

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Michael Angelo B. Dugos

Editor: Roy V. Chatto
Reviewer: Suzette A. Bermejo
Illustrator: Archangel P. Molino II
Layout Artist: Wedzmer B. Munjilul, Angelica P. Mendoza
Template Developer: Neil Edward D. Diaz
Management Team: Reynaldo M. Guillena
Jinky B. Firman
Marilyn V. Deduyo
Alma C. Cifra,
Aris B. Juanillo
Faye Genevieve P. Pasamonte

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Division of Davao City

Office Address: E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City

Telephone: (082) 227 4762
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 8

Science
Quarter 4 – Module 6:
Biogeochemical Cycles
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to
use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress
while allowing them to manage their own learning at home.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own
learning. Take time to read, understand, and perform the different
activities in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be
reminded of the following:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking
your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this
module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always
bear in mind that you are not alone. We hope that through this material,
you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding
of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

ii
 Let Us Learn
An amazing and wonderful day, young scientist! This module was
designed for you to understand the concepts of biogeochemical cycles. You
shall learn how materials cycle in an ecosystem and explain the role of
organisms in the cycling of materials.
Specifically, you are expected to:
1. Identify the different biogeochemical cycles.
2. Describe the cycling of materials; and
3. Describe the roles of organisms in the cycling of materials in the
ecosystem.

Let Us Try!
Direction: Read each question carefully and from among the choices, write
the letter of your best answer on a separate paper.
1. Which of the following best describes the importance of biogeochemical
cycles?
A. They describe how living things change destroy ecosystem.
B. They describe how organism change and adapt based on
environmental pressures.
C. They explain how energy moves through tropic levels.
D. They highlight how certain materials move through the
environment and are used and recycled.
2. Which of the following refers to the process by which Carbon dioxide is
released to the atmosphere from the animals?
A. combustion
B. photosynthesis
C. respiration
D. transpiration
3. Which of the following refers to the cycling of chemical elements and
materials throughout the ecosystem?
A. Biogeochemical cycle
B. Energy level
C. Phosphorus cycle
D. Trophic level
4. Which among the biogeochemical cycles likely involves sunlight,
photosynthesis, and respiration?
A. Nitrogen cycle C. Sulfur cycle
B. Oxygen-Carbon dioxide cycle D. Water cycle

1
5. Which of the following best describes the role of Nitrogen-fixing
bacteria in the Nitrogen cycle?
A. They cause algal bloom. C. They make water acidic.
B. They make nitrogen into a D. They direct water to the
more usable form. environment.

Let Us Study
All living things need important chemicals and nutrients to exist and
survive. Since Earth is self-preserving in nature, the materials in the form of
water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), Nitrogen (N2) and Phosphorus
(P) are being recycled in it. These materials and nutrients are readily available
from the environment; when obtained, these are transferred to organisms
feeding on each other. These materials are also returned to the environment
when excreted through urination and respiration or die and decompose. The
cycling of any nutrients and materials in the ecosystem is known as the
Biogeochemical cycle.
In this module, you will be taking a journey and discover the different
biogeochemical cycles and the role organisms play in each cycle. You will be
taking a good look, study and analyze the different Biogeochemical cycles.

The Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle

Oxygen (O2) is needed by animals and other aerobes to survive. It is
important for animals and other aerobes to carry out their life functions.
When an organism takes oxygen (O2), they release Carbon dioxide (CO2) into
the atmosphere in return. The Carbon dioxide (CO2) is then taken in by
photosynthetic organisms,
and they produce Oxygen
(O2) as a by-product. Study
Figure 1. A cow breathes in
Oxygen (O2) while the tree
uses Carbon dioxide (CO2) to
create its own food.

Figure 1: The Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide

Cycle
2
Question:

1. Based on Figure 1, what is the role of the cow in the Oxygen-Carbon

dioxide cycle?
________________________________________________________________________.

The Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere. About 78% of the
atmosphere is composed of Nitrogen gas (N2). Nitrogen is an important part of
living things. Nitrogen is needed in the formation of biomolecules like proteins,
amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.
Nitrogen (N2) gas is
not readily available for
use by the organism. It
needs to be converted to
nitrate (NO3-), which
plants can absorb
through their roots. The
process is called
Nitrogen fixation, and
this is carried out by
certain Nitrogen-fixing
bacteria. Cyanobacteria
live in aquatic
ecosystems. Azotobacter
is free-living in soil and
Rhizobium bacteria live
symbiotically in the root
nodules of legumes, like
peas, beans, and
peanuts.
Figure 2: Nitrogen Cycle
When plants and other organisms die, decomposers release Nitrogen in
the form of ammonium ions (NH4+) during the decomposition process. The
conversion of organic nitrogenous waste from living animals or remains of
dead animals to ammonium ions (NH4+) by certain bacteria and fungi is known
as ammonification. The produced ammonium (NH4+) is then converted by
another set of bacteria called nitrifying bacteria, like Nitrosomonas, to nitrite
(NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) in the soil. This process is known as nitrification.
Nitrates (NO3-) are absorbed by the plants through assimilation. When an
organism consumed plants, the nitrates will become part of it. When this
organism excretes through urination, and defecation or eventually dies, the

3
nitrate will be released back to the soil as ammonium (NH4+) which can then
be acted by Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Another set of bacteria called
denitrifying bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Clostridium, breakdown
nitrate (NO3-) to Hydrogen (H2) and Nitrogen (N2) gas which will then be
released to the atmosphere.
In some cases, though not emphasized in the figure, nitrates can be
created through the presence of weak nitric acid (HNO3) which can be created
by a chemical reaction of Nitrogen (N2) and Hydrogen (H2) in the presence of
lightning acting as a catalyst to the reaction. This nitric acid (HNO3) will be
released to the ground through rain and then be acted by nitrifying bacteria
converting it to nitrates.
Questions:
1. Based on figure 2, what are the organisms responsible for the
conversion of atmospheric Nitrogen (N2) to usable compounds to
plants?
________________________________________________________________________

2. How does lightning aid the Nitrogen cycle?

________________________________________________________________________

The Water Cycle

Why is water essential to life? The first life forms are said to be living in
the water. Water is an extremely important molecule in all living things.
Organisms are composed of organic materials and water. Yes, one major
component of an organism is water. Approximately 60 – 70 percent of our
body is made up of water. Thus, without water, organisms will cease to exist.
An organism must consume freshwater of which only about 1% of all
freshwaters is surface water which serves most of life’s needs (U.S Geological
Survey n.d.) Earth’s water is about 97% salt water and less than 3% is fresh
water.

Figure 3: Water Cycle

4
 The water cycle keeps the balance of the water source. Water or
hydrologic cycle is the movement of water around the Earth’s surface
powered by the sun.
Water is circulated around the environment such as oceans, air, and
living things. The cycle follows series of events from evaporation,
transpiration, condensation, and precipitation. When the sun's heat
strikes, evaporation occurs, and the liquid water from bodies of water and
organisms turns to water vapor and goes to the atmosphere. Evaporation from
plants and trees is called transpiration. The water vapor remains in the
atmosphere until it undergoes condensation. This time, water vapor changes
into liquid water droplets. This liquid water together with some water vapor
forms clouds. The process happens repeatedly until the clouds can no longer
hold too much water.
Then, the next process begins, the water from the clouds falls back to
the land surface or into the ocean as precipitation. It can be in the form of
rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Water can soak into the ground in the process called
infiltration. Some water penetrates the past the soil going deep into the
groundwater through percolation, while others as run-offs flow back to
oceans and other bodies of water.
Plants and animals depend on water to live. Plants take up water from
the groundwater and soil moisture. Only 1% of the plant uptake is used by
the plant, the remaining 99% is passed back into the atmosphere through
transpiration (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
2010). People depend on water as a natural resource.
Questions:
1. What powers the water cycle? _________________________________________.
2. What is the organisms' role in the cycle?
_______________________________________________________________________.

Let Us Practice
Activity 1A: Cycle Completion
Direction: Complete the table with the necessary terms or descriptions about
Biogeochemical Cycles. Write your answers on a separate sheet. Copy and
answer.
Biogeochemical Terms Descriptions
The important gas among animals and other
1. aerobes
2. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
3. Nitrification
4. Conversion of Nitrogen (N2) to nitrate (NO3-)
5. Denitrifying bacteria
6. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

5
7. A form of Nitrogen that can be utilized by
plants.
8. Transpiration
9. Liquid water turns to water vapor.

10. Precipitation
11. Condensation
12. Absorption of water into the soil.

Activity 1B. Complete the Process.

Direction: Fill in the cycle charts with the important processes involved in
the Biogeochemical Cycles. Copy and answer on a separate sheet.

1. Oxygen- Carbon Dioxide Cycle

Photosynthesi Respiration

2. Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen
fixation

Nitrification Denitrification

3. Water Cycle

Evaporation

Precipitation Condensation

6
 Marvelous work! You have just completed the tasks! Truly you have
understood how materials cycle in the ecosystem. Keep it up for the next
challenge.

Let Us Practice More

Activity 2: Roles Up!

Direction: Fill in the graphic organizer with the different roles played by the
organisms in the biogeochemical cycles. Copy and answer on a separate sheet.

Roles
of
Organisms

Wow! You have just done a magnificent job in completing the graphic
organizer on the important roles of organisms in the different biogeochemical
cycles.

7
 Let Us Remember

• Biogeochemical cycle refers to cycling of materials in the

ecosystem. Among the cycles are Oxygen-Carbon dioxide Cycle,
Nitrogen Cycle and Water Cycle.
• Oxygen-Carbon dioxide Cycle is the cyclic process where gases flow
through organisms and the environment. It highlights the
interdependence between plants and animals for Oxygen and Carbon
dioxide.
• Oxygen is produced by plants in photosynthesis and is used by
animals when they respire.
• Carbon dioxide is produced by animals during respiration and is
taken in by plants when they photosynthesize.
• Nitrogen Cycle refers to the movement of Nitrogen between air, soil,
plants, and animals.
• Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. A key
component in the bodies of living organisms to build proteins and
nucleic acids.
• Assimilation is the absorption and incorporation of nitrogen into
plant and animal bodies.
• Nitrogen-fixation is the process of converting Nitrogen gas to nitrate
ions.
• Ammonification is the production of ammonia by bacteria during
the decay of nitrogen-containing urea (found in urine).
• Nitrification is the production of nitrate from ammonia.
• Denitrification is the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas.
• Water or Hydrologic Cycle refers sun-driven process which involves
physical changes of water as it circulates around environment.
Involves evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation.
• Evaporation is the process of a liquid converting to the gaseous
state.
• Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants through the
leaf pores called the stomata.
• Condensation is the process of water vapor condenses to form tiny
droplets of water.
• Precipitation is the process were the water droplets get large enough
to fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
• Organisms perform important roles in the different biogeochemical
cycles such as facilitation the exchanging of gases as by-products of
life functions, conversion of atmospheric gas to usable compound to
life, and preservation and conservation of natural resources.

8
 Let Us Assess
Read the questions carefully. Choose the best answer and write it on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following processes highlight photosynthesis as an

important part of the recycling process?
A. Oxygen and Carbon dioxide cycle C. Nitrogen cycle
B. Nitrogen and Carbon cycle D. Water cycle

2. Which refers to the process in which living things takes part in the
water cycle?
A. transpiration
B. precipitation
C. evaporation
D. condensation

3. Which of the following describes the movement of Nitrogen between air,

water, and organisms?
A. Carbon cycle
B. Nitrogen cycle
C. Oxygen cycle
D. Water cycle

4. Which of the following organisms is responsible for Nitrogen fixation?

A. Plants C. Fungi
B. Insects D. Bacteria

5. Which of the following refers to the cycling of chemical elements and

materials throughout the ecosystem?
A. Biogeochemical cycle C. Energy cycle
B. Water cycle D. Nitrogen cycle

6. Which of the following refers to the product of Nitrogen fixation?

A. ammonia C. nitric acid
B. nitrates D. nitrites

7. Which of the following refers to the two main processes of Oxygen-

Carbon dioxide cycle?
A. carbonation and photosynthesis
B. photosynthesis and evaporation
C. respiration and condensation
D. respiration and photosynthesis

9
8. Which of the following best describes the role of nitrifying bacteria in
the nitrogen cycle?
A. production of nitrate from ammonia
B. production of ammonia from urea
C. converting Nitrogen gas to nitrate ions
D. conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas

9. Which of the following refers to the process of turning liquid water into
water vapor?
A. condensation C. percolation
B. evaporation D. precipitation

10. What would be the possible product when lightning and soil bacteria
are involved?
A. Acid rain C. Nitrates
B. Calcium D. Potassium

11. Which of the following refers to the ways in which water is distributed
and recycle in the environment?
A. raining C. flooding
B. hydrologic cycle D. evaporation

12. Which of the following refers to the correct sequence of water cycle?
A. precipitation, condensation, evaporation
B. evaporation, precipitation, condensation
C. evaporation, condensation, precipitation
D. condensation, evaporation, precipitation

13. Which of the following refers to the process by which Carbon dioxide is
released to the atmosphere from the animals?
A. Transpiration
B. Respiration
C. Photosynthesis
D. Combustion

14. Which of the following statements is true?

A. Animals excrete waste and releases nitrogen to soil that can be
readily used by plants.
B. Nodules of legumes are the usual site of nitrogen fixation
C. Oxygen is released as a product of respiration.
D. The atmosphere is composed mainly of oxygen and hydrogen.

15. Which of the following refers to the gas coming from the animals?
A. Carbon dioxide C. Oxygen
B. Nitrogen D. Sulfur

10
 Let Us Enhance
Activity 3: Cartoon: Wrap It Up!

Direction: Based on your understanding of the different biogeochemical

cycles, you will create a 5 to10-panel comic strip highlighting the impact of
organisms and their interaction to the environment as a factor in the balance
of nature.

Your output will be assessed based on the following criteria:

1. Accuracy of content
2. Organization of ideas
3. Quality of illustration
Specific rubric is presented in the answer key section.

Congratulations! You did an amazing job in highlighting the importance of

organisms' interaction with nature. You will have an amazing future ahead.

Let Us Reflect

Biogeochemical cycles are nature's ways of consistently providing us

with means to survive. These maintain the ecological balance with which if
not preserved, calamities and ecological problems await.

With the current situation and destructive human activities, the

worry and anxiety of many has come to reality. Biogeochemical cycles have
been altered to some degree. Carbon dioxide levels are increasing rapidly
across years. Causative agents are progressive conversion of heavily
forested lands into industry and real estates. These brought massive
change in the natural habitat and ecological niche of some organisms.
Moreover, with the prevailing establishment of industries and residential
spaces, the quality of water also has been compromised and contaminated
as much as the gases coming from the factories are making the air not
suitable for breathing and may cause respiratory ailments. Right now,
humans are facing the consequences of centuries of exploiting nature.

What should be done? Fortunately, efforts are now underway.

Policies are crafted and implemented. Locally, young researchers from
different schools of Davao City convened to give their share of solutions to
the city's environmental problems like pollution in Davao River and crop
loss in banana plantations. These young generations have made collective
efforts and initiatives in the light of sustainable development. These
progressive actions give hopes to mend and rehabilitate nature before it's
too late. Until then, humans owe a lot to nature and to the future
generation.

11
Answer Key

12
 References

Aquino, Marites D., Meliza P. Valdoz, Jan Jason M. Mariano, and Mary
Anne T. Bascara. 2013. Science Links 8. Quezon City: Rex Book
Store, Inc.
Clipart Library. 2019. "Clipart Library." Clipart Library. Accessed
January 2021, 2021. http://clipart-
library.com/clipart/1705122.htm.
Deped. 2016. Science 8 Learner's Materials. Pasig City, Philippines:
Deped.
Dréo, Johann. 2019. commons.wikipedia.org. August 2. Accessed
January 20, 2021.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Nitroge
n_Cycle_2.svg.
Fowler, Samantha, Rebecca Roush, and James Wise. 2013. "Concepts
of Biology." https://openstax.org. April 25. Accessed January 20,
2021. https://openstax.org/books/concepts-biology/pages/20-2-
biogeochemical-cycles.
Help Teaching. 2004-2021. helpteaching.com. Accessed January 20,
2021.
https://www.helpteaching.com/questions/Biogeochemical_Cycles.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2010. "The
Water Cycle." National Weather Service. Accessed April 2021.
https://www.weather.gov/media/jetstream/downloads/hydro201
0.pdf.
pixabay. 2016. "pixabay.com." pixabay.com. March 31. Accessed
January 20, 2021 . https://pixabay.com/vectors/plant-tree-
vegetation-1294971/.
pixy.org. n.d. "pixy.org." pixy.org. Accessed January 20, 2021.
https://pixy.org/525703/;https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by-nc-nd/4.0/.
Pixy.org. n.d. "pixy.org." Pixy.org. Accessed January 19, 2021.
https://pixy.org/4532507/;https://creativecommons.org/licenses
/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
U.S Geological Survey. n.d. "Where is Earth's Water?" USGS Science for
a Changing World. Accessed April 2021.
https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-
school/science/where-earths-water?qt-
science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects.

13
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education –Davao City Division

E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City

Telephone: (082) 227 4762

Email Address: [email protected]