Carbon Cycle

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What is the carbon cycle?

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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.

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What role does photosynthesis play in the carbon cycle?

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Photosynthesis takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil to produce glucose and oxygen, effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere.

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What is combustion in the context of the carbon cycle?

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Combustion is the process of burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, contributing to the carbon cycle.

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How do fossil fuel burning and deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

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Fossil fuel burning releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, while deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide, both disrupting the natural balance of the carbon cycle.

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What is respiration in the carbon cycle?

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Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

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What is decomposition in the carbon cycle?

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Decomposition is the process by which dead organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere.

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What is the significance of carbon in living organisms?

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Carbon is a fundamental building block of life, forming the backbone of organic molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?

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Oceans absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a carbon sink and helping to regulate global carbon levels.

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What is a carbon sink?

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A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, which is a result of human activities like burning fossil fuels.