47.2k views
1 vote
Which of the following four properties is not generally characteristic of most biogeochemical cycles?

a) Cycling of elements
b) Biological processes
c) Geological processes
d) One-way flow

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The property not characteristic of biogeochemical cycles is 'One-way flow'. Elements are recycled in biogeochemical cycles through biological and geological processes, contrasting with energy's one-way flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic that is not generally representative of most biogeochemical cycles is d) One-way flow. In contrast to one-way energy flow in ecosystems, elements within biogeochemical cycles are recycled. This means that elements pass repeatedly through living organisms and non-living matter, rather than moving in a one-way sequence from start to finish. Biogeochemical cycles typically involve three main types of processes: cycling of elements, driven by biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, and geological processes including erosion, water drainage, and tectonic activity which all contribute to the movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through the Earth's systems.

User Conquester
by
7.8k points