Unit 4: Carbon Cycle/Disturbances/Succession

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 plants play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter and releasing oxygen.

Front

What is respiration in the context of the carbon cycle?

Back

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert organic matter into energy, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) back into the atmosphere.

Front

Define combustion in relation to carbon.

Back

Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when carbon-containing materials are burned, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and energy.

Front

What is a carbon sink?

Back

A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores more carbon than it releases, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, leading to increased biodiversity and stability.

Front

How does biodiversity change during ecological succession?

Back

As ecological succession progresses, biodiversity typically increases as more species colonize and establish in the ecosystem.

Front

What is decomposition?

Back

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, returning nutrients to the soil and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the significance of carbon in living organisms?

Back

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

Front

How does carbon move through the food chain?

Back

Carbon moves through the food chain when organisms consume plants (which absorb carbon) and other animals, transferring carbon from one trophic level to another.