Cycles within ecosystems

• What do all living organisms exhale as a product of respiration?

  Carbon Dioxide
• Why do living organisms exhale Carbon Dioxide?

  To release energy for movement
• What do plants do with Carbon Dioxide during photosynthesis?

  Fix and remove it from the atmosphere
• What is the purpose of photosynthesis in plants?

  To synthesize Carbon compounds for growth
• What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

  Break down dead organisms and faeces
• What happens to Carbon Dioxide during decomposition?

  It is removed and returned to the atmosphere
• What can happen if decomposition does not occur?

  Incomplete decomposition may lead to fossilization
• What are fossil fuels formed from?

  Fossilization of organisms over time
• What happens when fossil fuels are combusted?

  They return Carbon Dioxide to the atmosphere
• What are the main processes involved in the carbon cycle?

  • Respiration: Organisms exhale Carbon Dioxide
  • Photosynthesis: Plants fix Carbon Dioxide
  • Decomposition: Decomposers return Carbon Dioxide
  • Combustion: Fossil fuels release Carbon Dioxide