the carbon cycle

• What is the starting point of the carbon cycle?

  Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• How does carbon enter the carbon cycle?

  Through photosynthesis
• What do plants combine with carbon dioxide during photosynthesis?

  Water
• What is produced during photosynthesis?

  Sugar glucose
• Who carries out photosynthesis?

  Plants and algae
• What type of energy is used in photosynthesis?

  Light energy
• What process returns carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere?

  Aerobic respiration
• What are the two key processes involved in the carbon cycle?

  Photosynthesis and respiration
• What is the difference between respiration and breathing?

  Respiration is a cellular process, while breathing is a physical act
• What happens to carbon in plants and algae after they are consumed by animals?

  It becomes part of the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in animal cells
• What are the steps of the carbon cycle?

  1. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  2. Plants and algae take in carbon dioxide via photosynthesis
  3. Carbon is used to make carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
  4. Plants and algae respire, releasing carbon dioxide
  5. Animals eat plants and respire, releasing carbon dioxide
  6. Decomposers break down dead remains, returning carbon to the atmosphere
• What do animals release as waste products?

  Feces
• What happens to carbon in dead remains?

  It is broken down by decomposing microorganisms
• Which microorganisms are involved in decomposition?

  Bacteria and fungi
• What do decomposers release back into the atmosphere during respiration?

  Carbon dioxide
• Under what conditions do decomposers not function effectively?

  A lack of oxygen
• What additional role do decomposers play in the ecosystem?

  They release mineral ions to the soil
• What can happen to carbon in dead remains under certain conditions?

  It can be converted to fossil fuels
• How long does it take for a large amount of carbon to be trapped underground as fossil fuels?

  Over many millions of years
• What has been happening to fossil fuels over the last 200 years?

  Humans have been burning huge amounts of fossil fuels
• What is the result of burning fossil fuels?

  It releases a large amount of carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere