Carbon Cycle

Question 1

What nutrients are made at the start of the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins

Question 2

How is CO2 released into the atmosphere?

Answer 2

Through the respiration of plants, animals and microorganisms

Through combustion

Question 3

Where is CO2 for photosynthesis taken from?

Answer 3

The atmosphere

Question 4

How does carbon enter the food chain?

Answer 4

When plants get eaten

Question 5

What eats the dead plants/animals and their waste?

Answer 5

Detritus feeders and microorganisms

Question 6

How does the cycle restart?

Answer 6

When the soil absorbs nutrients from waste and passes them on to plants

Question 7

What are the steps of the carbon cycle?

Answer 7

1. CO2 from the atmosphere is used for photosynthesis - nutrients are made
2. Plants respire and are burnt (combustion) to release CO2
3. Carbon meets the food chain when animals eat plants
4. Animals respire and their products (fossil fuels) are burnt to release CO2
5. Detritus feeders eat dead plants/animals and their waste, then respire and release more CO2
6. The soil takes in the nutrients from waste and passes them onto plants
7. The cycle continues