Carbon Cycle Flashcards
What is the first step of the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis – Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose using sunlight.
What is the second step of the carbon cycle?
Respiration – Animals and plants break down glucose for energy, releasing CO₂ back into the atmosphere.
What is the third step of the carbon cycle?
Decomposition – Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning carbon to the soil and releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere.
What is the fourth step of the carbon cycle?
Fossil Fuel Combustion – Humans burn fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), releasing stored CO₂ into the atmosphere.
What is the fifth step of the carbon cycle?
Some CO₂ is absorbed by oceans and forests, acting as carbon sinks.
What is a carbon source?
A process or activity that releases CO₂ into the atmosphere (e.g., burning fossil fuels, respiration).
What is a carbon sink?
A process or activity that absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere (e.g., photosynthesis, ocean absorption).
What are the four key components of the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and fossil fuel combustion.
How do decomposers contribute to the carbon cycle?
Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing carbon into the soil and CO₂ back into the atmosphere.
