The carbon cycle

• What is the main focus of the video on free size lessons?

  Describing the carbon cycle processes
• What is the first key fact about the carbon cycle?

  It starts with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• How does carbon enter the carbon cycle?

  Through photosynthesis
• What do plants use in photosynthesis to create glucose?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• What is the role of light energy in photosynthesis?

  It powers the photosynthesis process
• What is the difference between respiration and breathing?

  Respiration is a cellular process, breathing is not
• What are the two key processes in the carbon cycle?

  Photosynthesis and respiration
• What happens to carbon in plants and algae during respiration?

  Some carbon is released back as carbon dioxide
• How does carbon move from plants to animals in the carbon cycle?

  Through consumption of plants by animals
• What happens to carbon in animals after they consume plants?

  It becomes part of their carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
• What do animals release back into the atmosphere during respiration?

  Carbon dioxide
• What happens to animals and plants after they die?

  They produce waste products and dead remains
• What role do decomposing microorganisms play in the carbon cycle?

  They break down dead remains and waste products
• What do decomposers release back into the atmosphere during respiration?

  Carbon dioxide
• What do decomposers release into the soil?

  Mineral ions
• Under what conditions do decomposers function less effectively?

  In a lack of oxygen
• What can happen to carbon in dead remains over millions of years?

  It can be converted to fossil fuels
• What has been happening to fossil fuels over the last 200 years?

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

  It releases carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere
• What are the main processes in the carbon cycle?

  • Photosynthesis: Carbon dioxide is converted to glucose
  • Respiration: Carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere
  • Decomposition: Dead remains are broken down, returning carbon to the atmosphere
• What is the significance of decomposers in the carbon cycle?

  • Break down dead organic matter
  • Return carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide
  • Release mineral ions into the soil