B4.1.7 Carbon Cycle

Question 1

What is the carbon cycle

Answer 1

Process by which carbon is cycled through the atmosphere

Question 2

How is carbon released back into the atmosphere

Answer 2

Respiration- all living organisms respire to transfer energy from chemical stores in food
Decomposition- when plants algae and animals die, decomposers break down their remains, releasing carbon dioxide as they respire
Burning fossil fuels- fossil fuels are a store of carbon
When they burn, this trapped carbon is released

Question 3

How does the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide vary

Answer 3

Photosynthesis takes place in the light so co2 is only removed from the atmosphere in daytime
Respiration is carried out by all living organisms all the time, releasing co2 at a relatively consistent rate