Carbon cycle

Question 1

Where is carbon found:

Answer 1

• All organic molecules
• Fats, carbohydrates and proteins

Question 2

Carbon cycle definition:

Answer 2

Demonstrates the continuous movement of carbon between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the environment

Question 3

Carbon sink:

Answer 3

• Absorb more CO2 than the emit
  Ocean + peat bogs

Question 4

Photosynthesis:

Answer 4

• Producers, like plants, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into organic molecules

Question 5

What does the carbon cycle demonstrate?

Answer 5

• Continuous movement of carbon between the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the environment.

Question 6

Consumption:

Answer 6

Carbon is passed through food chains as organisms consume other organisms

Question 7

Respiration:

Answer 7

Organisms use oxygen and carbohydrates to release energy, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere

Question 8

Decomposition:

Answer 8

Dead organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, which releases CO2 into the environment

Question 9

Formation of fossil fuels:

Answer 9

Carbon, stored in dead organic matter that does not decompose due to high temperature and pressure, is transformed over millions of years into fossil fuels, including coal and oil.

Question 10

Combusion:

Answer 10

The burning of fossil fuels reacts stored carbon with oxygen, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere

Question 11

Weathering:

Answer 11

Carbon stored in sedimentary rocks is released back into the environment through weathering processes

Question 12

Volcanic activity:

Answer 12

Tectonic plate movements can lead to the release of CO2 from volcanic eruptions

Question 13

Fluctuations in atmospheric CO2

Answer 13

Fluctuate daily, seasonal, annual basis mainly due to variations in photosynthesis and respiration rates

Question 14

Daily fluctuations in atmospheric CO2:

Answer 14

• Respiration occurs continuously throughout the day and night, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere
• Photosynthesis only occurs during daylight, removing CO2 from the atmosphere and reducing local atmospheric CO2 levels during the daylight hours

Question 15

Seasonal fluctuations in atmospheric CO2:

Answer 15

• During the summer, long daylight hours and warm temperatures increase photosynthesis rates, absorbing more CO2 and reducing local atmospheric CO2 levels
• During winter, reduced daylight hours and colder temperatures decrease photosynthesis rates and resulting higher local atmospheric CO2 levels

Question 16

Annual fluctuations in atmospheric CO2:

Answer 16

• Annually, greenhouse gas emissions, including those of CO2, have been increasing
• Increased deforestation removes photosynthesising biomass, lowering the capacity to remove CO2 from the atmosphere
• The rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere accelerates global warming
• Global warming decreases the solubility of CO2 in oceans as less gas can dissolve in warmer water, leading to more CO2 being released into atmosphere