7.2.2 The Carbon Cycle

• The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem
• What process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through living organisms?

  Respiration
• The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.


  True
• What is the process called by which plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

  Photosynthesis
• Using sunlight energy, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose
• Carbon is utilized for energy or incorporated into the tissues of consumers
• Carbon is transferred through the food chain as organic carbon compounds.

  True
• Carbon is utilized for energy or incorporated into the tissues of consumers
• Living organisms release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through respiration
• The cyclic movement of carbon is essential for balancing carbon levels in the environment.

  True
• Match the source of carbon dioxide with its description:

  Respiration ↔️ Carbon dioxide is released by living organisms

  Decomposition ↔️ Carbon dioxide is released when dead organisms are broken down

  Fossil Fuel Combustion ↔️ Burning coal, oil, and gas releases carbon dioxide
• The absorption of carbon dioxide by plants during photosynthesis is an essential part of the carbon cycle.


  True
• How do higher-level consumers contribute to the carbon cycle?

  Predation and carbon transfer
• Living organisms release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through the process of respiration
• Match the fossil fuel with its composition and formation:

  Coal ↔️ Mainly carbon: Formed from plant remains

  Oil ↔️ Hydrocarbons: Formed from marine organisms

  Natural Gas ↔️ Primarily methane: Formed similarly to oil
• How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?

  Reduces carbon dioxide absorption
• What is the carbon cycle?

  A biogeochemical cycle
• Plants and algae convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds through photosynthesis.

  True
• Decomposers release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they break down dead organisms
• Match the source of carbon dioxide with its description:

  Respiration ↔️ Carbon dioxide is released by living organisms through cellular respiration.

  Decomposition ↔️ Carbon dioxide is released when dead organisms are broken down by decomposers.

  Fossil Fuel Combustion ↔️ Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

  Volcanic Activity ↔️ Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide from the Earth's interior.
• Plants absorb carbon dioxide through pores on their leaves called stomata.


  True
• How is carbon transferred through the food chain?

  As organic carbon compounds
• Match the trophic level with its process and description:

  Producers ↔️ Photosynthesis: Plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into glucose

  Consumers ↔️ Consumption: Animals ingest plants or other animals

  Decomposers ↔️ Decomposition: Bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms
• The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.


  True
• What are two examples of carbon sinks in the carbon cycle?

  Oceans and soil
• The main sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere include respiration, decomposition, and fossil fuel combustion
• Arrange the key steps of photosynthesis in the correct order:

  1️⃣ Plants take in carbon dioxide through stomata

  2️⃣ Carbon dioxide diffuses into plant cells

  3️⃣ Sunlight energy converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose

  4️⃣ Glucose is used for energy or stored
• During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into glucose
• Decomposers release carbon dioxide back into the environment when they break down dead organisms.


  True
• What role do bacteria and fungi play in the carbon cycle?

  Decomposition of dead organisms
• Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• Burning fossil fuels is a major human activity that contributes to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.


  True