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EcologyKey Facts

Key Facts

Part of Carbon Cycle — GCSE Biology

This key facts covers Key Facts within Carbon Cycle for GCSE Biology. Topic 3: Carbon Cycle It is section 3 of 11 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 11

Practice

15 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📌 Key Facts

  • Photosynthesis — REMOVES CO₂ from atmosphere (plants, algae)
  • Respiration — RETURNS CO₂ to atmosphere (all living things — including plants!)
  • Combustion — burning fossil fuels/wood releases stored carbon as CO₂
  • Decomposition — bacteria/fungi break down dead organisms, releasing CO₂ through respiration
  • Fossil fuels — carbon stored for millions of years, released when burned
  • Peat bogs — important carbon stores; draining them releases CO₂

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Carbon Cycle. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Carbon Cycle — Visual OverviewDeep Dive: Why CO₂ is IncreasingCarbon's Endless JourneyHow It Works: How Carbon Moves Between the Atmosphere, Organisms, and Fossil Fuels

Practice Questions for Carbon Cycle

Which process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere?

  • A. Respiration
  • B. Photosynthesis
  • C. Combustion
  • D. Decomposition
1 markfoundation

Explain how decomposers return carbon to the atmosphere.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What does the carbon cycle do?
The carbon cycle continuously moves carbon between the atmosphere (as CO₂), living organisms, the soil, and fossil fuels. Carbon is never created or destroyed — it is recycled.
How does decomposition return carbon to the atmosphere?
Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down dead organisms. They respire, releasing CO₂ back into the atmosphere. Without decomposers, carbon would be locked in dead material forever.

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The Carbon Cycle — Visual Overview

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Deep Dive: Why CO₂ is Increasing