Carbon Cycle
What process involves movement of carbon through the atmosphere, land and oceans?
The Carbon Cycle
What is the purpose of photosynthesis?
To create oxygen and food for plants.
What types of organisms make their own food?
Plants (or producers)
What is respiration?
The process in which animals and plants give off carbon dioxide.
Name 1 gas that is exchanged in the ocean?
Name one way that carbon is released into the atmosphere...
Burning Fossil Fuels
Animal Respiration
Decomposition
Volcanic Eruptions
What are two things that plants need to do photosynthesis?
Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, Sunlight and Water.
When animals eat, what types of gases do they take in?
Carbon and Nitrogen
What do animals release during respiration?
carbon dioxide
Why is ocean gas exchange important for ocean animals?
The dissolved oxygen in the ocean is what animals depend on in order to survive. If it gets trapped or does not increase, the sea animals won't survive.
What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?
Decomposers break down dead material and help return it to the soil and then it moves eventually back to the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels.
In what part of the plant does photosynthesis happen?
The leaves.
How does the act of feeding help the carbon cycle?
When animals eat, they take in carbon and turn it into waste, the waste then becomes part of decomposition and adds to the amount of carbon that then gets stored in the soil and continues the process of the carbon cycle.
How is respiration related to the carbon cycle?
Respiration is a stop within the carbon cycle that allows the process to keep flowing, and it gives carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, soil, and aids in decomposition.
What are carbon sinks in the ocean?
Places where carbon gets stuck in the ocean.
How do plants help move carbon in the Carbon Cycle?
Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis, which then creates oxygen through that process. This process never stops, so the cycle can continue.
What are the reactants (starting ingredients) for photosynthesis?
Carbon Dioxide and Water
What is the source of energy that is within the carbon cycle?
The sun
How is oxygen used in the carbon cycle?
Plants give it off, animals use it to breathe, and oxygen helps produce carbon dioxide.
How does oxygen and carbon dioxide get into the ocean?
It is transferred through wind, waves, and through the atmosphere.
Explain how burning fossil fuels impacts the carbon cycle...
Burning fossil fuels an cause an increase in carbon in the atmosphere. Over time there will be too much carbon on Earth, and it can start killing organisms like crops and causing our water systems to become polluted if there's too much.
How does photosynthesis help the carbon cycle?
When plants do photosynthesis it provides oxygen into the atmosphere. Other organisms use this oxygen to then continue the cycle of carbon moving around during respiration.
What type of gases do we get as humans from our food?
When humans consume vegetables they get carbon and nitrogen.
What is the main difference between photosynthesis and respiration?
The main difference between photosynthesis and respiration is that one gives off oxygen, and the other gives off carbon dioxide.
How does the Earth getting hotter impact ocean gas exchange?
As the Earth gets hotter, oxygen decreases, impacting ocean organisms and eventually killing off animals and lowering oxygen levels.