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The carbon and water cycles
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Materials such as carbon and water are recycled through living things and the environment.
The carbon cycle
Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the air.
Respiration, combustion and decomposition return it.
Carbon passes along food chains when animals eat plants.
Fossil fuels lock away carbon for millions of years.
Respiration, combustion and decomposition return it.
Carbon passes along food chains when animals eat plants.
Fossil fuels lock away carbon for millions of years.
The water cycle
Water evaporates from seas, transpires from plants, condenses into clouds, falls as precipitation, and flows back to the sea.
Decomposers
Bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms and waste, releasing carbon dioxide (by respiration) and mineral ions back into the soil.
Name two processes that put carbon dioxide into the air.
- Respiration by plants, animals and decomposers.
- Combustion of fuels.
Answer: Respiration and combustion.
Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide; respiration, combustion and decomposition return it. Water cycles by evaporation, transpiration, condensation and precipitation. Decomposers recycle nutrients.
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