carbon cycle

• why is the carbon cycle important?

  • some molecules that contain carbon are important for living organisms to grow and provide energy for cell functions
• what causes materials to decay/decompose?

  • they're broken down by microorganisms or detritus feeders
• how is carbon removed from the atmosphere in the carbon cycle?

  • removed in the form of carbon dioxide by photosynthetic plants which can produce fats, proteins etc
• how is carbon returned to the atmosphere through plants?

  • when plants/algae respire
• how is carbon passed on from plants?

  • plants/algae is eaten by animals
• how is carbon returned to the atmosphere through animals?

  • when animals respire