carbon cycle

Question 1

where does the carbon cycle start?

Answer 1

with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Question 2

what is the only way carbon can enter the carbon cycle

Answer 2

through photosynthesis

Question 3

how does carbon dioxide return to the atmosphere

Answer 3

by aerobic respiration

Question 4

explain the carbon cycle

Answer 4

• carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis
  the carbon is used to make carbohydrates, fats, proteins (these make up the plant’s cells)
• some of the carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when organisms respire
• plants are eaten by animals this releases some of the carbon stored in them
• when animals die carbon is released from their bodies as they decompose
• decomposers respire releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• combusting fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Question 5

why are decomposers important

Answer 5

they cycle materials through an ecosystem

Question 6

what happens to the carbon in dead animals if microorganisms cannot decompose it

Answer 6

the carbon in the dead remains is converted to fossil fuels