APES Carbon Cycle

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

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

Front

What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

Back

Deforestation increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere because fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide.

Front

What happens when fossil fuels are burned?

Back

When fossil fuels are burned, carbon stored in these fuels is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Front

What is respiration in the context of the carbon cycle?

Back

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

Front

What is gross primary production?

Back

Gross primary production is the total amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis in a given area and time, before any is used for respiration by the producers.

Front

What is net primary production?

Back

Net primary production is the amount of carbon that remains after producers have used some of the fixed carbon for respiration; it represents the energy available to consumers.

Front

How does decomposition affect the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposition breaks down dead organic matter, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and enriching the soil with nutrients.

Front

What is the significance of carbon sinks?

Back

Carbon sinks are natural systems, like forests and oceans, that absorb more carbon than they release, helping to mitigate climate change.