Nutrient cycles are like a big game of tag played by elements in nature. Three of the important players in this game are carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Let’s talk about carbon first. Carbon is everywhere! It’s in the air we breathe, the trees, the animals, and even in us! Just like we eat food to grow, plants and animals need carbon too. So, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and use it to make food through a process called photosynthesis. When animals eat plants, they get carbon too. But when animals breathe or poop, they release carbon dioxide back into the air. It’s like a big circle!

Now, let’s talk about nitrogen. Nitrogen is also very important. It’s in the air too, but plants can’t use it directly. They need a little help from special bacteria that live in the soil. These bacteria take nitrogen from the air and turn it into a form that plants can use. When animals eat plants, they get the nitrogen. And when animals poop or die, the nitrogen goes back into the soil. It’s another circle!

Finally, we have phosphorus. Phosphorus is found in rocks and soil. Plants take it up from the soil and use it to grow. When animals eat plants, they get phosphorus too. And when animals poop, it goes back into the soil. Can you guess? Yes, it’s another circle!

So, remember, nutrient cycles are like a big game of tag, where carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are the players, moving in circles to keep everything in balance!