The Carbon & Oxygen Cycle Flashcards

Study Notes

The Carbon and Oxygen Cycle

The carbon cycle describes the natural processes linking carbon and oxygen, facilitating their recycling in the environment.
Carbon dioxide is a gas produced during respiration and combustion, crucial for the life cycle of plants and animals.

Producers

Producers include plants and algae, which use sunlight to create their own food through the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis transforms sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose, a vital energy source for living organisms.

Consumers

Consumers are organisms that derive their energy by feeding on other organisms rather than producing their own food.
Herbivores exclusively consume plants, while carnivores feed on other animals.

Decomposers and Detritivores

Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter, returning carbon to the soil and contributing to nutrient cycling.
Detritivores consume decomposing plant and animal remains, playing a key role in the degradation process.

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Impact

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Combustion processes release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, impacting climate change.

Additional Key Terms

The atmosphere is comprised of a layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for life and climatic regulation.
Fossil fuels, including coal, gas, and oil, are derived from ancient carbon deposits, formed under pressure over millions of years.
Respiration is the cellular process using oxygen to convert food molecules into energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

Important Biochemical Compounds

Glucose is a simple sugar produced by photosynthesis, serving as a crucial energy source for organisms.
Carbon is a fundamental element found in all living organisms, essential for the structure and function of biological molecules.

Description

This quiz features essential terms and definitions related to the carbon and oxygen cycles. Explore key concepts such as carbon dioxide, producers, and consumers, enhancing your understanding of these vital natural processes. Perfect for students studying ecology and environmental science.