The carbon cycle and Decomposition

The carbon cycle and Decomposition

1. The whole thing is powered by photosynthesis

   • In photosynthesis plants convert the carbon from CO2 in the air into sugars.
     • Plants then incorporate this carbon into other carbohydrates & fats &proteins
       • carbon compounds are passed through the animal and food chain through eating
         • Both plants& animals respire when the organism is alive - releases CO2 back in the air
           • Plants &animals eventually die &decay.
             • they are then broken down by bacteria and fungi in the soil
               • these decomposers release CO2 back into the air by respiration as they break down the material
                 • over millions of years, material from dead animals &plants turn into fossil fuels - coal and oil
                   • when fossil fuels are burnt CO2 is released back into the air

2. recycling carbon & other nutrients takes longer in waterlogged soils than in well-drained soils.

   • Bcuz bacteria & fungi that decompose organic material need oxygen to respire &produce energy.
     • waterlogged soils don't have much oxygen
       • decomposers have less energy &work more slowly.

3. Nutrient recycling takes longer in acidic soil than in neutral.

   • bcuz extremes of pH slow down the reproduction of decomposers or kill them

4. Carbon is also recycled in the sea

   • species make shells made of carbonates
     • when the organisms die the shells fall to the ocean floor
       • eventually forming limestone rocks
         • the carbon in these rocks returns to the atmosphere as CO2 - when weathering takes place in rocks or during a volcanic explosion

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