How Materials Are Recycled

Question 1

Why are all the materials in living worlds recycled?

Answer 1

To provide the building blocks for future organisms

Question 2

Describe the carbon cycle

Answer 2

The carbon cycle returns carbon from organisms to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. Microorganisms return carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and mineral iron to the soil by decomposition.

Question 3

Describe the water cycle

Answer 3

The water cycle provides freshwater for plants and animals to land before draining into the seas. Water is continuously evaporated and precipitated.