Carbon & Nitrogen 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.

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What role do producers play in the carbon cycle?

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Producers, such as plants, take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter, which is then used by consumers.

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What is nitrogen fixation?

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Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is converted into ammonia or related compounds in soil, making it available for plants.

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Where do plants primarily absorb nitrogen from?

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Plants primarily absorb nitrogen from the soil through their roots in the form of nitrates and ammonium.

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Why can't humans use nitrogen directly from the air?

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Humans cannot use nitrogen directly from the air because it is in a gaseous form (N2) that is not usable by most living organisms. It must be converted into a usable form by bacteria or through industrial processes.

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What is the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

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Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by fixing nitrogen, decomposing organic matter, and converting ammonia into nitrates that plants can absorb.

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How does carbon move through the food chain?

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Carbon moves through the food chain when animals eat plants (producers) and other animals (consumers), transferring carbon from one organism to another.

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What is the significance of decomposition in the carbon cycle?

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Decomposition is significant in the carbon cycle because it breaks down dead organisms, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere, thus maintaining the balance of carbon.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, which is a product of the carbon cycle.

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How do human activities impact 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 and contributing to climate change.