THE CARBON CYCLE Remember: Write down everything in white Remember: Write down everything in white

The carbon cycle The carbon cycle is essential for life on Earth. Carbon is found in all living things, and in their dead bodies and wastes. Carbon is also found in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).

Plants Plants use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when they photosynthesise to make glucose to provide them with energy. Plants use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when they photosynthesise to make glucose to provide them with energy.

Animals Animals and other consumer organisms obtain the carbon they need from the food they eat.

Carbon returning to the atmosphere Respiration releases carbon back into the atmosphere and hydrosphere as carbon dioxide, where it again becomes available for photosynthesis.

Carbon in the soil Organisms release carbon into the soil in wastes such as faeces, urine and fallen leaves. These wastes are used as food by decomposer organisms. As the decomposer organisms respire, carbon is released into the atmosphere, water and soil.

The cycle However, there is not an endless supply of carbon. Carbon is recycled through the soil, through living things and the atmosphere in the carbon cycle

ACTIVITY Go onto the website and click on year 10- Earth Science. Go onto the website and click on year 10- Earth Science. Go to the link 1. The carbon cycle activity Go to the link 1. The carbon cycle activity If this doesn’t work type into google “kids news room climate change movies carbon cycle” and select the first option. If this doesn’t work type into google “kids news room climate change movies carbon cycle” and select the first option. Use the animation to create a labelled diagram of the carbon cycle. You may also wish to use the picture in your textbook in Chapter 6 page 178 Use the animation to create a labelled diagram of the carbon cycle. You may also wish to use the picture in your textbook in Chapter 6 page 178