The Source
organic matter is buried underground and converted to coal, oil or natural gas
Fossilisation
Carbon is absorbed into plants from the atmosphere, making glucose for primary consumers to eats. When plants and animals respire, the carbon is returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide gas. This is part of which cycle?
The carbon cycle.
What is respiration?
A cellular process that turns sugar into energy for cells.
This substance won't release carbon dioxide unless burned.
Timber/wood, fossil fuel examples - coal, oil, natural gas.
The grass has absorbed carbon through photosynthesis, the lion eats the zebra that ate the grass. What happens the carbon consumed by each animal?
It is used in the process of respiration.
These two initial processes help cycle carbon and oxygen through ecosystems.
Photosynthesis and respiration.
What is combustion?
Burning
This phenomena is increased due to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Global warming, climate change, the greenhouse effect.
When an organism dies, it is decomposed and becomes nutrient for the soil. Name 2 examples of decomposers.
Bacteria, fungi
When plants and animals break down organic molecules and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere we say they are:
breathing or respiration or respiring.
What is decomposition?
The breaking down of organic compounds/dead organisms.
Deforestation is a problem because:
We are losing a carbon sink.
Name the process that breaks down glucose to produce energy, generating CO2 as a byproduct.
(cellular) respiration
Carbon is not being created or destroyed it is just changed into different forms and cycled around the 4 spheres. Which law of conservation relates to this?
The law of conservation of mass.
What is a carbon "sink"?
Something that absorbs more carbon than it releases.
Why should humans cut down CO2 emissions?
To reduce global warming/climate change.
What process releases the most carbon dioxide into the atmosphere globally?
Burning fossil fuels.
A possible way in which the carbon found in a dead tree could make its way into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide gas.
It could be burnt
It could be broken down by fungi who respire and release CO2.
This refers to the process whereby plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen.
Photosynthesis.
What is the main reason we burn fossil fuels?
Electricity production
Fuel vehicles