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, continuously recycling carbon in various forms.

Front

True or False: All of the carbon in existence is continually recycled in the carbon cycle.

Back

True

Front

What are the main processes involved in the carbon cycle?

Back

The main processes include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and carbon sequestration.

Front

Which organisms are known as autotrophs?

Back

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from sunlight or chemical energy, such as plants and some bacteria.

Front

What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?

Back

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

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.

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Front

How does combustion affect the carbon cycle?

Back

Combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and organic matter.

Front

What is decomposition in the context of the carbon cycle?

Back

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

Front

What are the Earth's spheres involved in the carbon cycle?

Back

The Earth's spheres include the atmosphere (air), biosphere (living organisms), lithosphere (land), and hydrosphere (water).