Flows and transfers at local scale plants (biosphere)

Question 1

Carbon cycle of a tree overview

Answer 1

enters via photosynthesis

carbon atoms move to soil, leaf litter, toots, branches and atmosphere

Biomass added as over time tree takes in more carbon than releasing

Trees biomass is mostly from air and co2

Question 2

Carbon cycle of a tree

Answer 2

Trees and plants capture CO2 by photosynthesis – converting atmospheric CO2 into organic molecules. These are vital for growth.
Trees act as biological sequestrators, storing the carbon with their stems and leaves.

As leaves, fruits and branches fall off, they become leaf litter and slowly decompose. This releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.

Some of this leaf litter becomes trapped within the soil where it is then compacted over time and trapped.

Respiration by the plant and by decomposers then releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.