🌍 Part 1: Understanding the Carbon Cycle

1. What is the carbon cycle?

The process of carbon moving only through the atmosphere

The movement of carbon between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere

The way plants create carbon dioxide

The burning of fossil fuels

2. Which of these are carbon reservoirs? (Select all that apply)

Atmosphere

Plants and animals

Oceans

Fossil fuels

Soil

3. During photosynthesis, plants:

Release CO₂ into the atmosphere

Absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter

Only produce oxygen

Break down organic matter

4. Cellular respiration in organisms:

Removes carbon from the atmosphere

Releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere

Only occurs in plants

Has no effect on the carbon cycle

🔄 Part 2: Carbon Cycle Processes

5. Complete the sentences using the words: photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion

a) During _____________, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

b) When organisms breathe, _____________ releases CO₂ back into the air.

c) The breakdown of dead plants and animals is called _____________.

d) Burning fossil fuels is an example of _____________.

6. Explain why the balance between photosynthesis and respiration is important for Earth's carbon cycle.

7. How do human activities affect the carbon cycle? Give two examples.

🎨 Part 3: Apply Your Knowledge

8. In the space below, draw a simple diagram showing carbon moving through the carbon cycle. Include at least four different reservoirs (atmosphere, plants, animals, soil) and label two processes (photosynthesis and respiration) with arrows.

9. A student says: "Forests are called carbon sinks." Using your knowledge of the carbon cycle, explain what this means and why it's important.

Carbon Cycle Basics

Carbon Cycle Basics

🌍 Part 1: Understanding the Carbon Cycle

🔄 Part 2: Carbon Cycle Processes

🎨 Part 3: Apply Your Knowledge

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