Carbon Cycle

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What is the Carbon Cycle?

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

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What are fossil fuels?

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

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What role do plants play in the Carbon Cycle?

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Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, using it to produce glucose and oxygen. This process helps to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.

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What is cellular respiration?

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Cellular respiration is the process by which living organisms break down glucose and other organic molecules to produce ATP (energy) and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

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How do animals contribute to the Carbon Cycle?

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Animals contribute to the Carbon Cycle by consuming plants and other animals, and through respiration, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

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What happens to carbon when fossil fuels are burned?

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When fossil fuels are burned, carbon stored in these fuels is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

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What is decomposition?

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Decomposition is the process by which dead organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere.

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What is the significance of carbon in living organisms?

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

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What is photosynthesis?

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Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

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What is the role of the atmosphere in the Carbon Cycle?

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The atmosphere acts as a reservoir for carbon dioxide, which is exchanged with the biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere through various processes.

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