The Carbon Cycle and Its Impact on Climate

What is the carbon cycle?

The dynamic circulation of Earth's carbon atoms back and forth between living and non-living things.

What are the main reservoirs of carbon on Earth?

Atmosphere, Living Things, Ocean Water, Soil, and Fossil Fuels.

What gases primarily make up the atmosphere's carbon content?

Mostly CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CH4 (methane).

What processes move carbon from one reservoir to another?

Photosynthesis, Respiration, Decomposition, Ocean-Atmosphere Exchange, Deforestation, and Fossil Fuel Combustion.

How does photosynthesis affect the carbon cycle?

It removes carbon from the air and stores it in plant life.

What is respiration in the context of the carbon cycle?

It moves carbon from living things into the atmosphere when living things release energy from their food.

What role does decomposition play in the carbon cycle?

It moves carbon from dead organisms back into their surroundings.

What is ocean-atmosphere exchange?

It describes the movement of carbon between the ocean and atmosphere in equilibrium.

How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?

It releases carbon from trees into the air.

What is the effect of fossil fuel combustion on the carbon cycle?

It moves carbon from ancient life buried deep in the earth to the atmosphere.

Why does the carbon cycle matter for Earth's climate?

The amount of carbon in Earth's atmosphere directly impacts Earth's climate.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere.

What is the most important factor in determining Earth's average global temperature?

The amount of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.

What is the main function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

To absorb specific colors of light and reflect others, primarily appearing green.

What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?

Water + Carbon Dioxide + Light Energy → Glucose + Oxygen.

Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?

In chloroplasts, which are found in leaf cells.

What is the role of stomata in photosynthesis?

They take in air, allowing carbon dioxide to enter the plant.

What happens to glucose produced in photosynthesis?

It can be used for energy, stored for later use, or used to build structures.

What is cellular respiration?

The process where glucose and oxygen are converted into ATP energy, water, and carbon dioxide.

What do plants do with excess carbon dioxide?

They release it through stomata into the atmosphere.

How does photosynthesis contribute to the food chain?

It provides the food we eat and produces the oxygen we breathe.

What is the significance of the carbon cycle in relation to climate change?

Understanding the carbon cycle helps in addressing the increase of carbon dioxide and its effects on climate.

What are carotenoids, and what role do they play in photosynthesis?

They are pigments that appear orange or yellow and absorb light energy for photosynthesis.