Carbon Cycle

• How does the carbon cycle work though plants?

  • CO2 is removed from atmosphere during photosynthesis. This carbon is used to make glucose
  • When plants respire, some carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2
  • When plants and algae are eaten, some carbon becomes part of the fats and proteins in their body. This moves through the food chain
  • When plants and algae die, animals and microorganisms feed on their remains. When they respire CO2 is returned to the atmosphere
  • Combustion of wood and fossil fuels release CO2 back into the atmosphere
• How does the carbon cycle work through animals?

  • When animals respire, some carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2
  • When animals die, microorganisms and other animals eat their remains and release CO2 as they respire
  • Animals also produce waste that is broken down by microorganisms and detritus feeders
• Why is the carbon cycle important?

  Carbon containing molecules are needed for living organisms to grow and provide energy within cells