The Carbon and Oxygen Cycle

Dr. Forrester introduces carbon, an essential element in nature, explaining its presence in organic compounds and its role in the carbon cycle. The video covers photosynthesis, where plants use carbon dioxide and sunlight to create food, and respiration, where animals release carbon dioxide back into the ecosystem. It also discusses the impact of fossil fuels and combustion on carbon levels. The oxygen cycle is explained, highlighting how plants and animals exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Describe the carbon cycle and its significance to life on Earth.

What happens to carbon when fossil fuels are burned?