Carbon Cycle

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Questions and Answers

What is the economic significance of carbon to modern humans?

As a raw material for industrial processes

As a component of agricultural fertilizers

In the form of fossil fuels (correct)

As a byproduct of industrial waste

In what direction does carbon move according to the passage?

From plants to the atmosphere

From the ocean to the land

From the atmosphere to plants (correct)

From the land to the ocean

What process is likely involved in the movement of carbon from the atmosphere to plants?

Decomposition

Fermentation

Respiration

Photosynthesis (correct)

What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle, according to the passage?

They absorb carbon from the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate source of the carbon found in fossil fuels?

Ancient plants and animals Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon dioxide when animals and humans breathe?

It is released back into the air as a waste product Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microorganisms in the carbon cycle?

They break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide back into the air Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon from dead plants and animals?

It is buried deep underground and becomes fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle?

They absorb carbon dioxide from the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate fate of carbon from fossil fuels?

It is released back into the air as carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant source of phosphate in soil?

Weathering of rocks Signup and view all the answers

What happens to phosphorus in water?

It settles at the bottom of bodies of water Signup and view all the answers

What is another fate of phosphorus in water?

It can be incorporated into sediments Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a process that releases phosphate into the environment?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pathway by which phosphorus is introduced into aquatic ecosystems?

Weathering of rocks and volcanic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas?

Denitrification Signup and view all the answers

When do organisms use nitrogen?

During assimilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of denitrification?

Nitrogen Fixation Signup and view all the answers

What is the end product of denitrification?

Nitrogen gas Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of taking in nitrogen called?

Assimilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of respiration in cellular activities?

To break down organic matter to release energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of breaking down organic matter during respiration?

Energy is released for cellular activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of respiration in maintaining oxygen balance within ecosystems?

It supports diverse respiratory processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of energy released during respiration?

Organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of respiration in cellular activities?

To release energy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphate is released into the soil and water through weathering of rocks and volcanic activity.
Phosphorus in water can settle at the bottom of bodies or be incorporated into sediments.

Carbon Cycle

Carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants through photosynthesis.
Animals breathe out carbon dioxide as a waste product of respiration.
Plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Carbon is transferred from plants to animals through the food chain.
Decay of organic matter releases carbon dioxide back into the air.
Microorganisms break down organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide back into the air.
Buried carbon from dead plants and animals becomes fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen is converted to nitrogen gas through denitrification.
Assimilation is the process by which organisms use nitrogen.

Respiration

Respiration is the process by which organisms break down organic matter to release energy for cellular activities.
Respiration supports diverse respiratory processes and maintains oxygen balance within ecosystems.
Respiration is economically important to modern humans, in the form of fossil fuels.

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Description

Learn about the journey of carbon from the atmosphere to plants and its significance in modern times. Understand the importance of carbon in the form of fossil fuels and its role in the ecosystem.