Carbon Cycle Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the carbon cycle.

Carbon Cycle

The process through which carbon moves between the atmosphere, plants, animals, soil, water, and rocks.

Atmosphere

Part of the carbon cycle where carbon exists in the air as carbon dioxide (CO2).

Plants

Take in CO2 from the air during photosynthesis, a key part of the carbon cycle.

Animals

Obtain carbon by eating plants, contributing to the carbon cycle.

Soil

Receives carbon when decomposers break down dead plants and animals.

Oceans

A reservoir in the carbon cycle where carbon can move in and out of the water.

Fossil Fuels

Formed from old, dead plants and animals that are buried and transformed into coal, oil, or gas.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants take in CO2 from the air.

Respiration

The process by which animals and plants breathe out CO2.

Decomposition

The process by which dead organisms break down and release carbon.

Combustion

The process of burning fossil fuels or wood, releasing CO2 into the air.

Diffusion

The process where carbon moves between the air and the ocean.

Climate Change (Global Warming)

A potential consequence of too much CO2 in the atmosphere.