The Carbon Cycle
The Carbon Cycle is a natural cycle on Earth of how carbon on Earth moves. There are four processes during this: photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, and decomposition.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is where plants take carbon dioxide from the air and combine it with water to make food for themselves. They use the energy of the sun to create sugar and oxygen. They are producers, so they make their own food.
Respiration
Respiration is a way carbon returns to the atmosphere. Animals and people take in oxygen, O2, and release it into the atmosphere again as CO2.
Combustion
Combustion is when energy, carbon dioxide, and water are released from organic materials after it reacts to oxygen.
Decomposition
Decomposition is where decomposers, fungi and bacteria, mainly, break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.