The cycling of matter necessary for life is referred to as what cycle?

The cycling of matter necessary for life is specifically referred to as the biogeochemical cycle. This term encompasses the complex interactions between biological organisms and the physical environment, including the movement of elements and compounds such as carbon, nitrogen, and water through various reservoirs including living organisms, the atmosphere, soil, and bodies of water.

In the biogeochemical cycle, matter is recycled and transformed, allowing essential elements to be used repeatedly by different forms of life. This process is foundational to sustaining ecosystems and providing the resources necessary for life. For example, carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis, which produces oxygen and organic matter that is then utilized by other organisms, creating a continuous flow of energy and nutrients.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not accurately capture this specific concept. The biological cycle may imply a focus on living organisms but doesn't include the broader environmental context. The life cycle typically refers to the stages of development of a single organism rather than the cycling of matter. The geohydroxy cycle is not a recognized term in this context, indicating that it doesn't relate directly to the processes involved in cycling essential nutrients and elements for life.