Carbon compounds are contained in every living organism. We can follow carbon as it moves through living things, into the Earth’s atmosphere and back. This is called the Carbon Cycle.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turn it into glucose using photosynthesis Animals eat the plants for the energy in glucose and then release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
Photosynthesis Respiration Carbon Dioxide + Water Glucose + Oxygen ENERGY Photosynthesis Carbon Dioxide + Water Glucose + Oxygen Respiration Oxygen + Glucose Carbon Dioxide + Water ENERGY
PLANTS PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESPIRATION DEATH & DECAY
ANIMALS RESPIRATION FEEDING DEATH & DECAY EXCRETION
DECOMPOSERS RESPIRATION DEATH & DECAY FUNGI AND BACTERIA
FOSSIL FUELS COMBUSTION DEATH AND FOSSILISATION
What do the letters represent? G. A. B. B. B. C. F. D. D. E.
A PHOTOSYNTHESIS B RESPIRATION C FEEDING D DEATH AND DECAY E DEATH AND FOSSILISATION F EXCRETION G COMBUSTION
Other factors effecting the carbon cycle: Oceans as carbon sinks. Deforestation Marine Animal shells