The Carbon Cycle

Question 1

What is the only thing removing CO2 from the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis by plants and algae, the carbon is used to make carbohydrates, fats and proteins

Question 2

How does carbon move up the food chain from plants?

Answer 2

Some carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2 when the animals respire. Some of the carbon becomes parts of fats and proteins in animals when the plants and algae are eaten

Question 3

When the animals respire…

Answer 3

Some carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2

Question 4

What happens (with carbon) when animals and plants die?

Answer 4

Other animals and microorganisms feed on their remains. When these organisms respire CO2 is returned to the atmosphere

Question 5

Animals produce [ ], and this too is broken down by [ ] and microorganisms. Compounds in the waste are taken up from soil by plants as [ ] - they’re put back in the food chain again.

Answer 5

waste
detritus feeders
nutrients

Question 6

Some useful plant and animal products are burnt ([ ]). This also releases [ ] back into the air.

Answer 6

combustion

CO2