Carbon Cycle #1

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. It involves processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Front

What role do trees play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, helping to reduce greenhouse gases and store carbon in their biomass.

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Front

How do fossil fuels impact the carbon cycle?

Back

Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change and altering the natural carbon cycle.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Front

What happens to carbon during a forest fire?

Back

During a forest fire, carbon stored in trees and vegetation is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere, and making nutrients available for new plant growth.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

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

Front

How does carbon enter the ocean?

Back

Carbon enters the ocean through processes like diffusion from the atmosphere and runoff from land, where it can be used by marine organisms or stored in sediments.

Front

What is the role of animals in the carbon cycle?

Back

Animals contribute to the carbon cycle through respiration, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, and through waste products that decompose.