4.1.2 The Carbon Cycle

• Order the following carbon reservoirs by their relative size in the carbon cycle.

  1️⃣ Geosphere

  2️⃣ Oceans

  3️⃣ Biosphere

  4️⃣ Atmosphere
• In what form is carbon stored in the atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• The carbon cycle regulates the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.


  True
• Photosynthesis converts CO2 into organic compounds, storing carbon in biomass.


  True
• What are the major carbon reservoirs in the carbon cycle?

  Atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, geosphere
• Plants absorb CO2 and convert it into organic compounds such as glucose.
• Respiration adds carbon to the atmosphere.


  True
• The atmosphere is a major carbon reservoir.


  True
• What is the byproduct of respiration that adds carbon to the atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Order the major reservoirs of carbon in the carbon cycle.

  1️⃣ Atmosphere

  2️⃣ Biosphere

  3️⃣ Oceans

  4️⃣ Geosphere
• The carbon cycle regulates CO2 levels in the atmosphere, which is essential for life on Earth.


  True
• Carbon removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis is stored in the biomass of plants.


  True
• Human activities such as burning fossil fuels increase atmospheric CO2 levels and contribute to climate change.

  True
• What is the carbon cycle defined as?

  Movement of carbon between reservoirs
• What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

  Absorbs CO2, releases oxygen
• Carbon in the oceans is primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions
• What is the process by which organisms release CO2 as they break down organic compounds for energy?

  Respiration
• The oceans absorb CO2, dissolving it into the water and storing it as carbonate ions.
• The atmosphere contains carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.
• Match the type of organism with its role in the carbon cycle.

  Producers ↔️ Photosynthesis

  Consumers ↔️ Respiration

  Decomposers ↔️ Decomposition
• Major carbon reservoirs include the atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, and geosphere
• Respiration releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• Match the process with its source of carbon:

  Respiration ↔️ Living organisms

  Decomposition ↔️ Dead plants and animals

  Combustion ↔️ Fossil fuels
• Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon as CO2
• Match the process in the carbon cycle with its description.

  Photosynthesis ↔️ Absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere

  Respiration ↔️ Releases CO2 into the atmosphere

  Decomposition ↔️ Breaks down dead organic matter

  Combustion ↔️ Releases CO2 by burning fossil fuels
• What process removes CO2 from the atmosphere by photosynthetic organisms?

  Photosynthesis
• Which organisms consume organic compounds and release CO2 into the atmosphere during respiration?

  Consumers