The Carbon Cycle And Decomposition

Question 0

Describe carbon cycle - diagram p. 84

Answer 0

Photosynthesis - plants convert carbon from CO2 into sugars
Animals eat plants - carbon compounds enter food chain
Plant and animal respiration release CO2 back into air
Plants and animals die and decay, as decompose release CO2 back into air through respiration
Over millions of years dead material forms fossil fuels, when burned release CO2 into air

Question 1

What does carbon constantly move between in carbon cycle?

Answer 1

Atmosphere, soil, living things

Question 2

Why does recycling of carbon take longer in waterlogged or acidic soil?

Answer 2

Bacteria and fungi that cause decomposition need oxygen
Less O2 in waterlogged soil so decomposers have less energy so slower
In acidic soil high PH slows decomposers

Question 3

How is carbon recycled in the sea?

Answer 3

Shells made of carbonates
Organisms die, shells form limestone
Rocks return to atmosphere as CO2 in volcano eruptions or when weathered down
Oceans also absorb carbon