Water and Carbon Cycle

• Role of Microorganisms in the Carbon cycle

  1. They Return carbon to the atmosphere as CO₂ and Mineral ions to the soil

  2. Decay - process where waste or dead organisms are broken down and materials they contain are returned (Carbon)

  3. When decomposing, microorganisms respire, returning Carbon as CO₂
• Water Cycle

  1. Precipitation
  2. Surface Run-off
  3. Transpiration
  4. Evaporations and water is collected in the Ocean
  5. Condensation

  
• Carbon Cycle

  A) Co2 in atmosphere is used for Photosynthesis

  B) These plants Respire which releases CO2 back out

  C) Animals eat these plants

  D) These Animals also Respire

  E) Animals Die or Decay and bacteria break them down

  F) These Bacteria Respire Carbon which releases CO2

  G) Fossil Fuels are formed

  H) These Fossil fuels are burned (Combustion)

  
• Leaves on a tree contain carbon compounds.

  In autumn the leaves fall to the ground.

  Microorganisms in the soil recycle carbon from the leaves so that the carbon is used for new plant growth. Explain how (4)

  • decay / decomposition of leaves
  • respiration (by microorganisms / decomposers)
  • respiration releases carbon dioxide
  • carbon dioxide is used in photosynthesis (for new plant growth)