- Photosynthesis โ REMOVES COโ from atmosphere (plants, algae)
- Respiration โ RETURNS COโ to atmosphere (all living things โ including plants!)
- Combustion โ burning fossil fuels/wood releases stored carbon as COโ
- Decomposition โ bacteria/fungi break down dead organisms, releasing COโ through respiration
- Fossil fuels โ carbon stored for millions of years, released when burned
- Peat bogs โ important carbon stores; draining them releases COโ
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.
Practice questions for Carbon Cycle
Which process removes COโ from the atmosphere?
Explain how decomposers return carbon to the atmosphere.
Quick recall flashcards
What does the carbon cycle do?
The carbon cycle continuously moves carbon between the atmosphere (as COโ), living organisms, the soil, and fossil fuels.
Carbon is never created or destroyed โ it is recycled.
How does decomposition return carbon to the atmosphere?
Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down dead organisms.
They respire, releasing COโ back into the atmosphere.
Without decomposers, carbon would be locked in dead material forever.