The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical cycle that describes how carbon atoms move between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. It's essential for life as we know it, influencing everything from global temperatures to the growth of plants. Understanding the carbon cycle is super important because human activities, like burning fossil fuels, are significantly altering it, leading to climate change. Let's test your knowledge!
Match the term to its correct definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Photosynthesis | A. The process by which organic matter is broken down, releasing carbon dioxide. |
| 2. Respiration | B. The long-term storage of carbon in the Earth's crust. |
| 3. Decomposition | C. The process where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight. |
| 4. Fossilization | D. The release of carbon stored in fossil fuels through burning. |
| 5. Combustion | E. The breakdown of dead organisms and organic waste, releasing carbon back into the environment. |
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-A, 3-E, 4-B, 5-D
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided below:
The carbon cycle involves the continuous exchange of carbon among the ________, oceans, land, and living organisms. ________ removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while ________ releases it. Human activities, especially the burning of ________, have significantly increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to ________.
Word Bank: atmosphere, photosynthesis, respiration, fossil fuels, climate change
Answer: The carbon cycle involves the continuous exchange of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while respiration releases it. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to climate change.
Explain how deforestation impacts the carbon cycle and contributes to climate change.
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