6.3.1 (c) Carbon Cycle Flashcards
what organic compounds use carbon?
carbohydrates
lipids
proteins
nucleic acids
how do consumers release carbon?
by respiration as CO2
when they die they decompose into dead matter and waste containing carbon
how do consumers take in carbon?
they eat plants which contain carbon
how do plants take in carbon?
photosynthesis
intakes it as CO2
how do plants release carbon?
respiration
decomposition into dead matter and waste which contains carbon
how is carbon in dead matter returned to the atmosphere?
eventually becomes fossil fuels
these fossil fuels used for natural gas, coal and oil
during combustion the carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere (containing carbon)
why do carbon dioxide levels fluctuate during the day?
photosynthesis only takes place in light, so more CO2 removed during the day
respiration happens all day so more CO2 levels at night than day
why have global CO2 levels risen?
combustion of fossil fuels releases CO2
deforestation means less CO2 removed from atmosphere
why is CO2 a greenhouse gas?
it traps thermal energy in the atmosphere causing it to heat up
