The Carbon Cycle - Organisation of an Ecosystem

Overview

• Carbon is an essential element for life on Earth.
• The carbon cycle illustrates the movement of carbon through different compounds.

Stages of the Carbon Cycle

1. Stage One: Carbon enters the atmosphere as CO2 from respiration and combustion.

   • Sources: burning fuel, respiration by animals and plants.

2. Stage Two: Carbon dioxide is absorbed by producers (plants) to make carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

   • Plants play a crucial role by converting CO2 into glucose.

3. Stage Three: Carbon compounds pass along the food chain as animals consume plants.

   • Carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2 during animal respiration.
   • Plants and animals eventually die.

4. Stage Four: Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning carbon to the atmosphere as CO2.

   • Under certain conditions, decomposition may be blocked, leading to fossil fuel formation.

Key Processes in the Carbon Cycle

• Photosynthesis: Converts carbon dioxide into glucose.
• Respiration: Converts glucose back to carbon dioxide.
• Combustion: Converts fuel (e.g., methane, wood) into carbon dioxide.

Importance of the Carbon Cycle

• Essential for maintaining the balance of carbon in the ecosystem.
• Vital for the production of energy and organic compounds vital for life.

Additional Resources

• Explore further with Dr Alex Lathbridge on BBC Sounds.
• Understand the processes involved at each stage of the cycle.