Carbon Cycle Flashcard

Front

What are fossil fuels and how are they formed?

Back

Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the remains of ancient organisms that did not decompose completely. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transformed these remains into coal, oil, and natural gas.

Front

What process do plants use to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Front

What is combustion and how does it relate to fossil fuels?

Back

Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when fossil fuels are burned, releasing energy, carbon dioxide, and water vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere, which is essential for nutrient cycling.

Front

How does human respiration contribute to the carbon cycle?

Back

Humans exhale carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration, which is then used by plants during photosynthesis.

Front

What is the significance of carbon sinks in the carbon cycle?

Back

Carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, absorb more carbon dioxide than they release, helping to mitigate climate change.

Front

What is the difference between carbon sources and carbon sinks?

Back

Carbon sources release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than they absorb, while carbon sinks absorb more carbon dioxide than they release.

Front

How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?

Back

Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to climate change.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect and how is it related to carbon dioxide?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which is released through human activities.

Front

What are the main human activities that contribute to increased carbon dioxide levels?

Back

Burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes are the main human activities that increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.