Draw and label a diagram of the carbon cycle to show the processes involved.

Carbon is one of the main elements found in all organic molecules including carbohydrate, protein and lipid.

 

Processes:

·      Photosynthesis by terrestrial plants and algae (freshwater and oceans) in which atmospheric (and dissolved) carbon dioxide is removed and fixed as organic compounds such as carbohydrate, lipid and protein.


·      Respiration: All organisms (including plants) metabolize organic compounds for energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a by-product.

·      Feeding, in which the carbon of organic molecules is move from one trophic level in the food chain to another.

·      Fossilization in which carbon from partially decomposed dead organisms becomes trapped in sediment as coal, oil and gas (fossil fuels).

·      Combustion during the burning of fossil fuels and burning of biomass.