The carbon cycle is made up of various processes by which carbon, in form of carbon dioxide, is removed from and released into the environment.The cycle is usually thought of as four major reservoirs of carbon interconnected by pathways of exchange. These reservoirs are the atmosphere, terrestrial biosphere, the ocean, sediments like fossil fuels.
Removal of carbon dioxide from the environment
Carbon dioxide is being absorbed by green plants during photosynthesis. Carbonhydrates like glucose are then produced. Glucose may change to other organic compounds, carbon compounds become part of the animals when they feed on the green plants. The carbon compounds may also be preserved in fossil fuels such as cool.
Release of carbon dioxide into the environment
Respiration: Carbon dioxide is release from living organisms when they respire.
Combustion: When coal and natural gas are burnt or undergo combustion, carbon compounds are broken down and carbon dioxide is released into the environment.
Decay: When organisms die, their bodies are broken down to simple substances by decomposers. Carbon dioxide is then released into the environment. Some simple substances are used by the decomposers and when they respire, carbon dioxide is also released into the environment.
The picture above shows a carbon cycle.
Importance of carbon cycle ~Ensures that there is a continuous supply of carbon dioxide for plants in order to produce food for non-photosynthetic organisms. ~Enables energy to flow through the ecosystem.