ecology

• What is the main focus of the video discussed in the study material?

  The carbon cycle
• Why is nutrient recycling important in ecology?

  It is the way elements are continuously exchanged between living and non-living parts of the ecosystem
• Which two cycles are specifically mentioned for the course?

  Nitrogen and carbon cycles
• What is the carbon cycle?

  It is the continual recycling of carbon for reuse
• Why is the carbon cycle necessary?

  Because there is a limited supply of carbon that must be constantly recycled
• What is the main source of carbon in the carbon cycle?

  The atmosphere
• What happens to carbon dioxide during photosynthesis?


  It is converted into the carbohydrate glucose
• How does carbon move through the food chain?

  Carbon is passed along the food chain as animals eat plants and other animals
• What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

  They break down organic matter containing carbon and return it to the environment
• What is a consequence of incomplete decomposition in the carbon cycle?

  It can lead to the formation of fossil fuels
• How is carbon released back into the atmosphere through respiration?

  Both plants and animals respire, returning carbon as carbon dioxide