Y
Ecology @ 5:00 AM
9) Describe the carbon cycle.
Carbon is constantly being removed from and released into the environment, in the form of carbon dioxide. Hence, the carbon dioxode concentration in the environment remains relatively constant.
A diagram of the carbon cycle:
How is carbon dioxide removed from the environment? During photosynthesis, green plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and uses it to manufacture carbohydrates such as glucose. The glucose may be changed to other organic compounds such as fats, amino acids and proteins. The carbon compounds will then become part of the animals' bodies when they consume these green plants. The carbon compounds may also be preserved in fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil.
How is carbon dioxide released into the environment?
Carbon dioxide is released into the environment through:
-Respiration
-Combustion
-Decomposition
Respiration
When living organisms go through respiration, carbon compounds like glucose are broken down in their bodies and carbon dioxide is released into the environment.
Combustion
When fossil fuels like coal are burnt or undergo combustion, carbon compounds preserved in the fossil fuels are broken down and released into the environment.
Decomposition
When organisms die, their bodies decay or are broken down into simple substances by decomposers. Carbon dioxide is one of the simple substances released into the environment during decay. When the decomposers respire, carbon dioxide is released into the environment.
The carbon cycle is important because:
-It ensures that there is a constant supply of carbon dioxide for plants to carry out
photosynthesis.
-Enables energy to flow through the ecosystem.
