SB9k The carbon cycle

Question 1

 What happens to the carbon in organisms when they die?

Answer 1

o As dead matter decomposes, carbon is released back into the
atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide.
o The carbon from dead organisms can also form fossil fuels and
sedimentary rocks such as limestone. These are long-term carbon
stores

Question 2

Name the key steps in the carbon cycle.

Answer 2

1. Decomposition – bacteria respire and release CO2 into the air when
   breaking down material and absorbing nutrients
2. Respiration – organisms respire and release CO2 into the air
3. Photosynthesis – plants take up CO2 to produce energy
4. Combustion – burning fossil fuels and releasing CO2 into the ai

Question 3

What are decomposers?

Answer 3

fungi and bacteria that can
release enzymes into their surroundings to
digest large carbon compounds into smaller
ones.

Question 3

What are fossil fuels and how are they formed?

Answer 3

Fossil fuels are plants and animals (organic material) that died millions of
years ago and high temperature, pressure and lack of oxygen prevents the decomposers from breaking down the organic material which became fossil fuels