4.10: Describe the Stages in the Carbon Cycle, including Respiration, Photosynthesis, Decomposition and Combustion

CARBON CYCLE: Process that shows how Carbon is recycled between living organisms and the environment

THE CARBON CYCLE

Diagram showing the Carbon Cycle

EXPLANATION: RESPIRATION All living organisms exhale Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere as a product of respiration to release energy for movement PHOTOSYNTHESIS Plants (producers) fix and remove Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere via Photosynthesis to synthesize Carbon compounds for growth DECOMPOSITION Dead organisms and faeces from egestion are broken down by Decomposers to remove and return Carbon Dioxide gas to the atmosphere COMBUSTION If decomposition does not occur, incomplete decomposition over a long period of time may lead to fossilization of an organism to form fossil fuels, which when combusted, will return Carbon Dioxide back into the atmosphere