The Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of carbon dioxide and water.

From the atmosphere to the terrestrial biosphere.

Most of the carbon quickly enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Carbon from plants enters the food chain when animals eat the plants.

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

No, carbon molecules cannot be created or destroyed; they are recycled through the carbon cycle.

Planting trees does not add CO2 to the atmosphere.

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