What do we call the process in which elements and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another?

The process in which elements and other forms of matter are continuously moved and recycled through different organisms and various parts of the biosphere is known as a biogeochemical cycle. This term encompasses the pathways through which essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus circulate through living organisms and the environment.

In a biogeochemical cycle, elements can exist in both organic and inorganic forms, transitioning between different biological and environmental compartments. For example, carbon can be absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, consumed by animals, and eventually released back into the atmosphere through respiration or decomposition. This continual movement is crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and supporting life.

Understanding biogeochemical cycles is fundamental to ecology because they illustrate the interconnectedness of all living organisms and their environment, highlighting the importance of matter recycling for sustaining life.