B2.6 The Carbon Cycle

Question 1

Carbon cycle?

Answer 1

Refer to mind map

Question 2

What are the two main groups of microbes called

Answer 2

Bacteria and fungi

Question 3

How does the process of decay keep the carbon cycle turning?

Answer 3

Microbes must have the right conditions:

• food (dead plants, fallen leaves)
• oxygen
• a suitable temp
• moisture
• suitable pH

Question 4

Locked up carbon?

Answer 4

Ocean, many invertebrate animals with shells to protect their bodies. Shells are made of compounds such as calcium carbonate.

The animals have incorprated carbon gained from digesting plants into their shells. When they die, shells hard to decay, sink to bottom of ocean. Fragments compressed together to form rocks (limestone, chalk) known as carbon sinks.

Carbon may be released back into the atmosphere. Limestone rocks become exposed above sea. Limestone and chalk are eroded by weathering and carbon released as co2 into air