carbon cycle

Question 1

what is the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

the process by which carbon moves from living organisms and the non living environment

Question 2

what are the processes of the carbon cycle?

Answer 2

photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, weathering

Question 3

what is a decomposer?

Answer 3

an organism which breaks down dead organic matter via extracellular digestion

Question 4

how do decomposers work?

Answer 4

they secrete digestive enzymes onto the organic matter and then absorb the products, releasing inorganics back into the environment

Question 5

what is detritus?

Answer 5

fragments of the decomposing material

Question 6

what is the role of detritivores?

Answer 6

feed on detritus and increase surface area to speed up decomposition using internal digestion

Question 7

describe the process of the carbon cycle

Answer 7

1. carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere and dissolved in seas/oceans
2. carbon dioxide is converted into small organic molecules via photosynthesis and used to produce carbs/lipids/proteins
3. carbon macromolecules are passed from producers into primary consumers and up the food chain
4. living organisms die and carbon compounds are released via decomposition which is released into the atmosphere as co2 when decomposers respire

Question 8

why is decomposition sometimes prevented?

Answer 8

if decomposers are not present, the carbon becomes trapped, and over time becomes fossil fuels. these can be burned to produce co2.

Question 9

why do carbon dioxide levels fluctuate throughout the day?

Answer 9

photosynthesis removes co2 but respiration of living organisms releases co2 so levels are higher at night