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 like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Front

What are fossil fuels?

Back

Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the remains of ancient organisms, primarily plants and animals, that have been buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Front

What happens to carbon dioxide levels if plant populations decrease?

Back

If plant populations decrease, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would increase because fewer plants would be available to absorb CO2 during photosynthesis.

Front

What is combustion?

Back

Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light, commonly referred to as burning.

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How does carbon from grass enter the food chain?

Back

Carbon from grass enters the food chain when herbivores, like lions, eat the grass, transferring the carbon to higher trophic 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 CO2 in the atmosphere. Examples include forests and oceans.

Front

What role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?

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Oceans act as a major carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in water and marine organisms.

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, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and 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 and water as byproducts.

Front

What is the significance of calcium carbonate in the carbon cycle?

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Calcium carbonate is a major carbon sink found in oceans and limestone, playing a crucial role in storing carbon and regulating atmospheric CO2 levels.