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.

Front

Why is carbon important for life?

Back

Carbon is a key building block of life; all living things are made of carbon or need carbon to survive.

Front

What do plants do with carbon dioxide?

Back

Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make food.

Front

How do animals obtain carbon?

Back

Animals obtain carbon by eating plants and other animals.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into food.

Front

What happens to carbon when plants die?

Back

When plants die, carbon is released back into the soil and atmosphere, continuing the carbon cycle.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, returning carbon to the soil.

Front

What is respiration?

Back

Respiration is the process by which living organisms use oxygen to break down food, releasing carbon dioxide.

Front

How does carbon dioxide affect the atmosphere?

Back

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that helps trap heat in the atmosphere, affecting the Earth's climate.

Front

What is combustion?

Back

Combustion is the process of burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.