A biogeochemical cycle refers to the natural process through which elements and compounds move through living organisms and the environment. These cycles include essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. For example, in the carbon cycle, carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and then transferred through food webs, leading back to the atmosphere through respiration and decomposition. Understanding biogeochemical cycles is vital for grasping ecosystem dynamics, nutrient cycling, and the impact of human activities on environmental health.