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What are the steps of photosynthesis?
1. Plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. 2. Plants use sunlight to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen. 3. Oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
What are the steps of cellular respiration?
1. Plants/animals take in glucose and oxygen. 2. Glucose is broken down to produce energy (ATP). 3. CO2 and water are released as byproducts.
Describe the process of carbon exchange in the ocean.
1. The ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere. 2. CO2 dissolves in seawater. 3. Some CO2 is released back into the atmosphere, while some is used by marine organisms.
Describe the process of decomposition.
1. Dead organisms or organic matter are present. 2. Decomposers (bacteria, fungi) break down the organic material. 3. Carbon is released back into the soil and atmosphere as CO2.
Outline the process of sedimentation in the ocean.
1. CO2 dissolves in ocean water. 2. CO2 combines with calcium ions. 3. Calcium carbonate forms and sinks to the ocean floor, storing carbon in sediments.
Describe the process of fossil fuel formation.
1. Ancient organisms die and are buried. 2. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transform the organic matter. 3. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are formed, storing carbon.
What is the significance of the Earth being a closed system?
Matter is neither created nor destroyed, it only cycles through different forms, making biogeochemical cycles essential.
Explain the difference between the fast and slow carbon cycles.
Fast cycle is associated with living organisms (photosynthesis/respiration). Slow cycle is associated with dead organisms and fossil fuels (long-term storage).
How does the ocean act as a CO2 buffer?
The ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and releases some back, helping to regulate atmospheric CO2 levels.
Why are carbon sinks important?
They help regulate atmospheric CO2 levels by storing carbon in natural reservoirs like oceans, forests, and soil.
Explain the role of plants in the land-based carbon cycle.
Plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, converting it into glucose and oxygen, acting as natural air purifiers.
Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable?
Fossil fuels are finite resources that take millions of years to form, meaning they will eventually run out.
How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?
Deforestation reduces the number of plants available to absorb CO2, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels.
How do agricultural practices contribute to carbon emissions?
Certain agricultural practices can release carbon from the soil and contribute to overall carbon emissions.
Explain the link between increased atmospheric CO2 and global warming.
Increased atmospheric CO2 enhances the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and leading to global warming and climate change.
Describe the role of decomposers in the carbon cycle.
Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere, recycling carbon.
What is a biogeochemical cycle?
Pathway of matter within Earth's system, involving living and non-living interactions.
What is a carbon sink?
Natural reservoir that stores carbon, regulating atmospheric CO2 levels.
Define photosynthesis.
Process where plants absorb CO2 and convert it into glucose and oxygen.
Define cellular respiration.
Process where organisms use glucose to produce energy, releasing CO2.
What is decomposition?
Breakdown of dead organisms, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere.
What are fossil fuels?
Nonrenewable resources formed from ancient organic matter, storing carbon.
Define deforestation.
The clearing of forests, reducing CO2 absorption.
What is sedimentation?
CO2 combines with calcium ions to form calcium carbonate, sinking to the ocean floor.
What is carbon exchange?
The ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and releases some back.
What is the fast carbon cycle?
Carbon cycling associated with living organisms (photosynthesis, respiration).
What is the slow carbon cycle?
Carbon cycling associated with dead organisms and fossil fuels.