The Carbon Cycle

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

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

From which reservoir to which reservoir is carbon moved during photosynthesis?

Back

From the atmosphere to the terrestrial biosphere.

Front

What happens to carbon when humans burn fossil fuels?

Back

Most of the carbon quickly enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Front

How does carbon from plants enter the food chain?

Back

Carbon from plants enters the food chain when animals eat the plants.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere.

Front

What is the significance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Back

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Front

Can carbon molecules be created or destroyed?

Back

No, carbon molecules cannot be created or destroyed; they are recycled through the carbon cycle.

Front

Which human activity does not add CO2 to the atmosphere?

Back

Planting trees does not add CO2 to the atmosphere.

Front

What is respiration in the context of the carbon cycle?

Back

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert oxygen and glucose into energy, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.