biocycle
Nature's recycling process
A biocycle is a major division of the Earth's living environment—typically land, freshwater, and saltwater—each supporting distinct communities of organisms.
The term also appears in discussions of biological cycles, referring to the recurring patterns of life processes: growth, reproduction, decay, and renewal.
The marine biocycle contains ecosystems from coastal shallows to deep ocean trenches.
Decayed organic fertilizer
- compostingDecomposing organic matter deliberately
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- vermicompostingDecomposition using earthworms
- decayGradual organic breakdown
breakdown · detritus · decomposers · bacteria · fungi · rot · mulch · biodegradation
Coming into the world
- growthIncrease in size
- deathCessation of life
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- regenerationBiological self-repair process
reproduction · metabolism · evolution · development · maturation · senescence · germination · renewal
Preventing waste or loss
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- recyclingReprocessing used materials
- upcyclingImproving discarded materials' value
- reuseEmploy something again
closed-loop · regenerative · permaculture · biomimicry · cradle-to-cradle · eco-friendly · stewardship
compost
Decayed organic fertilizer
- compostingDecomposing organic matter deliberately
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- vermicompostingDecomposition using earthworms
decay · breakdown · detritus · decomposers · bacteria · fungi · rot · mulch · biodegradation · carrion
birth
Coming into the world
- growthIncrease in size
- deathCessation of life
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
regeneration · reproduction · metabolism · evolution · development · maturation · senescence · germination · renewal · rebirth
conservation
Preventing waste or loss
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- recyclingReprocessing used materials
- upcyclingImproving discarded materials' value
reuse · closed-loop · regenerative · permaculture · biomimicry · cradle-to-cradle · eco-friendly · stewardship
habitat
Organism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- floraPlants of a region
- faunaAnimal life collectively
biome · ecology · niches · symbiosis · population · predation · mutualism · producers · consumers · biogeochemical