1. The Carbon Cycle Today we will learn; –How is the element CARBON recycled in the environment?

2. The CARBON CYCLE involves five very important steps 1) PHOTOSYNTHESIS 2) RESPIRATION 3) DECAY 4) EATING 5) BURNING FOSSIL FUELS

3. Photosynthesis : Plants take in carbon, fixing it as sugar Carbon dioxide+watersugar+oxygen 6CO26CO2 +6H 2 OC 6 H 12 O 6 +6O 2

4. Respiration: Both animals and plants respire, this releases carbon C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 6CO26CO2 +6H 2 O sugar+oxygen carbon dioxide waterEnergy++ +ATP

5. Decay: As dead animals and plants decompose, they release carbon dioxide. Decomposers carry out this work, e.g bacteria, fungi & small invertebrates.

6. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 )in the air Animals Decomposers Plants eating respiration death respiration photosynthesis Fossils

7. Combustion We also burn fossil fuels – putting even more CO 2 into the air!