Waste and the Carbon Cycle

Question 1

What do organisms do to elements from their surroundings?

Answer 1

They take them in to support life processed and build them into more complex structures.

Question 2

What happens when an organism dies?

Answer 2

It is broken down by microorganisms and the elements return to the soul.

Question 3

What conditions are best for microorganisms to break down matter?

Answer 3

Warm with plenty of oxygen.

Question 4

What happens to elements in a stable community?

Answer 4

They are taken from and returned to the Earth at a similar rate.

Question 5

What is compost?

Answer 5

Decayed matter from kitchen and garden waste that can be used as fertiliser.

Question 6

What role does compost play in the cycle of elements?

Answer 6

It recycles elements back into the soil.

Question 7

What should the conditions be like in a compost bin?

Answer 7

• Warm
• Moist
• Plenty of oxygen

Question 8

What is the first stage of the carbon cycle?

Answer 8

Carbon is taken out of the air by green plants to make carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Question 9

What is the second stage of the carbon cycle?

Answer 9

Carbon moves through food chains when green plants are eaten by consumers.

Question 10

What is the third stage of the carbon cycle?

Answer 10

Carbon is released back into the air by respiration or combustion. Alternatively, an organism dies and decays which puts carbon back into the food chain.