Carbon Cycle and Carbon Footprint

The Carbon
Cycle

Understanding the flow of carbon from the atmosphere to life and back

The Carbon Cycle

• Carbon Cycle-(Atmosphere (mostly)

• !!!The same amount of carbon stays on Earth and is recycled All Living Things are made up of carbon!!!

• All Living Things are made up of carbon

• Carbon stays on Earth and is recycled

Carbon Cycle:

1. Photosynthesis - Plants use sunlight and carbon dioxide to make oxygen and sugars to use as food for themselves

2. Respiration by Plants and Animals - Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out Co2 (Carbon Dioxide), plants also release Co2

3. Feeding - Animals eat other animals or plants and the carbon is transferred to the predator o

4. Decomposition - Chemical changes rot an animal or plant and that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

5.Death and Waste - Animals and plants that don't decompose fossilize in the soil/sediment

6.Combustion - Burning of fossil fuels which releases excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Multiple Choice

What do plants use sunlight and carbon dioxide to make?

• Water and oxygen

• Carbon and sugars

• Nitrogen and proteins

• Hydrogen and carbohydrates

Greenhouse Gasses

Greenhouse Gasses:
Traps heat from the sun on Earth to keep the temperature normal) An excess of Greenhouse Gas in the atmosphere contributes to Global Warming

The Carbon Cycle

1. Animals and plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
2. Death and waste of organisms can lead to fossilization in soil/sediment.
3. Combustion of fossil fuels releases excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Multiple Choice

Which process releases excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

• Animals and plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• Death and waste of organisms can lead to fossilization in soil/sediment.

• Combustion of fossil fuels releases excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Carbon Release

Trivia: Did you know that the decomposition of organic matter releases carbon during the carbon cycle? This process plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of carbon in our environment. It is essential for the growth of plants and the overall health of ecosystems.