The carbon cycle

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

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

Front

How does carbon from plants enter the food chain?

Back

Carbon from plants enters the food chain when herbivores eat the plants, and then carnivores eat the herbivores.

Front

What process do plants use to absorb carbon dioxide?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose using sunlight.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide through the process of decomposition.

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 back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, composed mainly of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Front

How do human activities affect the carbon cycle?

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Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, disrupting the natural carbon cycle.

Front

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.

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 carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is the significance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

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Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.