Unit 2, Scope 2 Carbon & the Earth

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Matter that does not contain carbon

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Inorganic matter: Substances that do not contain carbon, such as minerals and metals.

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Containing the element carbon

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Organic compounds: Molecules that contain carbon and are typically found in living organisms.

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Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without need for internal digestion

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Decomposers: Organisms that recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter.

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The movement of substances that involves Earth’s physical features, such as the rock cycle, plate tectonics, or volcanism

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Geological pathways: Processes that describe the movement and transformation of materials within the Earth.

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A process that involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler molecules that can be readily absorbed by the body.

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Digestion: The biochemical process of breaking down food into smaller components for absorption.

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The cycle through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms

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Carbon cycle: A biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of carbon in various forms through the environment.

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The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy

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Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

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The term for the natural process of decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms

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Biodegradation: The breakdown of organic substances by living organisms, typically bacteria and fungi.

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The type of matter that is primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, often found in living organisms

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Organic matter: Material that is derived from living organisms, containing carbon.

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The process by which carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere from living organisms

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Respiration: A metabolic process in which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide.