THE

CARBON
CYCLE
DONE BY:
Brianna Malcolm, Alaine Bennet, Kenya Uffar,
Rischelle Miller, Xanor Washington Darnelia
Davis
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

01 02
THE CARBON PHOTOSYN
CYCLE THESIS

03 04
CONSUMPTION
& DEATH & DECAY;
RESPIRATION URINE & FAECES
TABLE OF
CONTENTS CON’T

04 05 06
RESPIRATION OF FOSSILIZATION AND HUMAN IMPACT
DECOMPOSERS COMBUSTION
WHAT IS
CARBON? 01
 nic molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids
ial to life as we know it makes up 0.04% of the

ded by energy from the sun and is reflected back into

, making the earth a closed system. When it comes to
mical cycle [meaning the number of carbon in the
arbon being an essential element of
his way.It is considered to be the currency of energy
movement on a global level between the
osphere and the ocean is known as the carbon cycle
rtant to note that carbon is constantly recycled
iving organisms in the carbon cycle.
PARTS
OF THE
CARBON
CYCLE
PHOTOSYNTHESIS 02
 THE CARBON CYCLE

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Through photosynthesis photosynthetic autotrophs use the energy from the sun to remove
carbon dioxide from the air along with water from the soil to fix it into complex organic
compounds such as glucose. With oxygen being the byproduct of photosynthesis. When
sunlight strikes a leaf the energy in the sunlight is captured and converted into glucose which
can then be stored as starch. Herbivores (Organisms that feed off of producers then obtain
glucose (energy) use the carbon to build up their own tissues. Carnivores then eat these
animals which is then converted back into C02 as 10% of energy is used by animals to respire
and given off as heat back into the atmosphere and once they die the carbon is returned to
the soil during decomposition
WRITE YOUR TOPIC OR IDEA
Consumption
and Respiration

03
 Respiration
Respiration is the biochemical process in which organisms convert organic compounds (typically glucose) into usable
energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process is essential for sustaining life as ATP is the main energy
carrier in cells. During aerobic respiration, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is released as a byproduct, contributing to the carbon cycle.

Types of Respiration

● Aerobic Respiration: This occurs in the presence of oxygen and is the most efficient form of respiration.
● Anaerobic Respiration: This occurs in the absence of oxygen and is less efficient than aerobic respiration.

Role in the Carbon Cycle

● Carbon Release: Organisms release carbon back into the atmosphere as CO₂ through respiration. This is a continuous
process that keeps CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere balanced. The CO₂ is then available for photosynthesis by
plants.
● Contribution to Greenhouse Gas: The CO₂ released by respiration contributes to the greenhouse effect. While
respiration itself does not disrupt the carbon cycle, the burning of fossil fuels (which are remnants of organic material)
increases atmospheric CO₂ levels, contributing to global warming.

Example of Respiration in Ecosystems

● Animals: Animals break down organic matter (like food) through respiration to obtain energy. For instance, herbivores
eat plants, and carnivores eat herbivores, both releasing CO₂ through respiration.
● Plants: Plants also carry out respiration, albeit alongside photosynthesis. The respiration of plants is essential for the
conversion of stored energy into usable forms for growth and reproduction. CO₂ produced during plant respiration is
returned to the atmosphere.
 Consumption (Heterotrophic Feeding)
Consumption refers to the process by which organisms obtain organic carbon (usually in the form of carbohydrates, lipids,
and proteins) by feeding on other organisms. The carbon in the food chain moves from producers (plants) to primary
consumers (herbivores), and then to higher trophic levels (carnivores, omnivores, etc.).

Trophic Levels

● Producers (Autotrophs): These are usually plants or algae that synthesize organic compounds from inorganic CO₂
through photosynthesis.
● Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Herbivores eat producers to obtain carbon.
● Secondary Consumers (Carnivores): Carnivores feed on herbivores or other animals.
● Tertiary Consumers: These organisms are at the top of the food chain, feeding on secondary consumers.
● Decomposers (Detritivores): Decomposers, such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms, consume dead organic matter
(plants and animals) and break it down into simpler compounds, releasing CO₂ during the process of decomposition.

Carbon Transfer

● When an organism consumes another, the carbon from the consumed organic matter is incorporated into its own
biomass (tissues). This process is essential for transferring energy and carbon through an ecosystem.
○ Herbivores: When herbivores consume plants, they incorporate carbon in the form of sugars, starch, and other
carbohydrates into their own bodies. The carbon in herbivores is then available to carnivores or omnivores that
eat them.
○ Carnivores: Carnivores obtain carbon from the organic molecules in the tissues of the herbivores they
consume. If a wolf eats a deer, the carbon from the deer’s body is transferred to the wolf.
○ Decomposers: Decomposers break down dead organisms (plants, animals, and feces), converting organic
carbon into simpler compounds like CO₂, which is released back into the atmosphere during respiration.

Importance of Consumption in the Carbon Cycle

● Carbon Flow: Consumption is vital for the flow of carbon through the food chain. It ensures that carbon moves from
producers to consumers, and eventually to decomposers.
● Nutrient Recycling: Decomposers help recycle carbon and other nutrients back into the ecosystem, enabling plants
to take up carbon from the soil and atmosphere for photosynthesis.
● Energy Transfer: While consuming organisms transfers carbon, energy is also passed along the food chain.
However, much of the energy is lost as heat (following the second law of thermodynamics), while carbon continues to
cycle.
DEATH & DECAY;
URINE &FAECES
04
decay as well as urine and feces play crucial roles
e ecosystem. Here’s how each contributes:

odies contain carbon that was initially absorbed from

tosynthesis (for plants) or through the food chain (for

ther organic matter are broken down by decomposers

material, they release carbon dioxide (CO₂) back

respiration and also contribute to soil organic

converted into humus, a stable organic material that

lly releases carbon over a longer time, sustaining
2. Urine and Feces
● Animals consume carbon through their diet, which they partially excrete in the
form of urine and feces.
● Urine and feces are rich in organic compounds, including carbon.
● Decomposers, such as bacteria and certain fungi, break down these waste products,
releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and enriching the soil.
● Additionally, these waste products contribute nitrogen and phosphorus, which help
plants in photosynthesis, indirectly supporting the carbon cycle by fostering more
plant growth and thus more carbon absorption.
Overall, these natural processes of breakdown and decomposition are essential in
recycling carbon, enabling it to flow continuously through the ecosystem and helping
to maintain balance in the carbon cycle.
RESPIRATION
OF
DECOMPOSERS 05
Respiration of Decomposers is the process by
which decomposers like fungi and bacteria breaks
down dead organic matter(plants,animals,waste)
which releases nutrients back into the
environment.
The respiration of decomposers where organic
matter is converted into energy ,carbon
dioxide(CO2) And Water(H2O).

Decomposers secretes enzymes that breaks down

complex organic matter(like protein ,carbohydrates
and lipids) and convert it into simpler compounds
such as glucose and amino acids which is further
used for energy..
This is important for decomposers to absorb the
nutrients they need to begin respiration.
 THE CARBON CYCLE

The decomposers cells perform respiration to produce energy from the compounds they
absorb.This involves converting glucose and the other organic compounds into ATP. To carry
out this conversion decomposers consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide as a
byproduct in the carbon cycle.Cellular respiration enables decomposers to obtain energy
required for their metabolic functions from the organic molecules that they break
down.This energy is stored in the form of ATP.
Oxygen acts as a final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain which produces a
significant amount of ATP.
As glucose and the other simple organic compounds are broken down CO2 is produced and
released into the atmosphere.
 THE CARBON CYCLE

● The CO2 produced during respiration is released into the atmosphere.This ensures that carbon
is continuously being return into the atmosphere.Plants then taking in this CO2 through
photosynthesis producing glucose and oxygen.This interaction between respiration
,decomposers and photosynthesis in plants forms a link( continuous chain) in the carbon cycle.

● Decomposers also release essential nutrients such as nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium

back into the soil.Theses nutrients are used for plant growth which helps in food chain and soil
fertility .Decomposers help form humus,an inorganic matter used for the enhancement of the
soil structure,water retention and aeration.The soil helps in plant growth,which absorbs CO2
and helps sustain the carbon cycle.Decomposers maintain the constant flow of energy and
nutrients supporting life and upholding ecological balance .
 Fossilization and
Combustion

Fossilization locks carbon away for long periods,

06
while combustion returns it to the atmosphere,
disrupting the carbon cycle and impacting global
climate.
 Fossilization
● Fossilization is the process by which organic carbon (from
plants and animals) becomes trapped and preserved in the
Earth’s crust over millions of years, forming fossil fuels like
coal, oil, and natural gas.

● Release of Carbon Dioxide: When fossil fuels such as coal,

oil, and natural gas are burned for energy or industrial use,
the carbon stored in these fuels is released back into the
atmosphere as CO₂. This is a significant source of
human-caused CO₂ emissions, which contribute to the
greenhouse effect and drive climate change.

● Impact on the Carbon Cycle: Combustion quickly releases

large quantities of carbon into the atmosphere, disrupting
the natural balance of the carbon cycle. This leads to higher
concentrations of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which accelerates
global warming.
 Combustion
● Combustion refers to the process of burning organic materials,
such as fossil fuels, biomass, or wood, which releases carbon
dioxide (CO₂) and other gases into the atmosphere.

● Release of Carbon Dioxide: Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and
natural gas for energy or industrial activities releases carbon
that was previously stored in these fuels back into the
atmosphere as CO₂. This process is a major contributor to
human-caused CO₂ emissions, which intensify the greenhouse
effect and drive climate change.

● Impact on the Carbon Cycle: Combustion quickly returns

significant amounts of carbon to the atmosphere, disrupting the
natural carbon cycle. This results in elevated CO₂ levels, further
exacerbating global warming.
 HUMAN
IMPACT
The rise in human population has been supported
by an increase in manufacturing and other types of
07
industries. Since the Industrial Revolution, humans
have been burning fossil fuels to release energy for
machines. This has added carbon dioxide to the air
at an alramily fast rate.
3 MAIN HUMAN
IMPACTS ON THE
CARBON CYCLE

01 02 03
Fossil Fuel Deforestation Agriculture
THE 3 MAIN HUMAN IMPACT ON THE CARBON CYCLE

FOSSIL FUEL
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural
gas are made up of carbon that has
been stored in the Earth's crust. When
human burn energy like in the industries
the carbon in the fossil fuel combines
with the oxygen in the atmosphere
producing carbon dioxide. This releases
large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2)
back into the atmosphere at a much
faster rate than it would naturally occur.
Thus, this disrupts the natural balance
of the carbon cycle.
 THE 3 MAIN HUMAN IMPACT ON THE CARBON CYCLE

DEFORESTATION
Deforestation disrupts the carbon cycle
by releasing carbon dioxide stored in
trees into the atmosphere as CO2.
Trees absorb CO2 during
photosynthesis. When forests are
cleared for urban development, not
only is this carbon storage capacity
reduced, but burning or decomposing
trees also releases stored carbon back
into the atmosphere.
 THE 3 MAIN HUMAN IMPACT ON THE CARBON CYCLE

AGRICULTURE

Certain agricultural practices for

example; rice cultivation and
livestock farming, produce
methane (CH4) which is a potent
greenhouse gas and is much
more effective at trapping heat in
the atmosphere than the carbon
cycle. Fertilizers can also release
nitrous oxide (N2O), another
greenhouse gas that affects the
carbon cycle.
THANK YOU!
Write a closing statement or
call-to-action here.