Carbon Cycle

Question 1

What is Decay?

Answer 1

• microbes release enzymes to break down living material
• living things remove materials from environment for processes
• these materials are returned to the environment either in waste materials or when living things decay
• the processes that remove materials are balanced by processes that return materials.
• constant cycle

Question 2

Describe the Decay Process

Answer 2

1) materials are broken down by microorganisms
2) most active in warm, moist, aerobic conditions
3) decay releases substances plants need to grow

Question 3

How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?

Answer 3

1) CO2 removed by green plants and algae - photosynthesus
2) used to make carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which make up plants and algae.
3) when they respire carbon becomes CO2 and returned to atmosphere

Question 4

How do animals contribute to the carbon cycle?

Answer 4

1) when green plants and algae are eaten by animals, the carbon becomes part of the fats that make up their body

2 )animals respire and release CO2 into the atmosphere

Question 5

How does decay contribute to the carbon cycle?

Answer 5

1) when organisms die, microbes feed on their body (and some animals)
2) carbon is released as these organisms respire
3) the microbes (and detritus feeders) break down the organisms and cycled the materials as plant nutrients.

Question 6

How does combustion contribute to the carbon cycle?

Answer 6

Combustion of wood and fossil fuels releases CO2