Question

Explain how the need for energy is the driving force of the oxygen cycle.

Answer 1

The need for energy is the driving force of the oxygen cycle because living organisms, including humans, require oxygen to undergo respiration and release energy from food. During respiration, oxygen is used to break down glucose molecules in cells, releasing energy for cellular processes. This process also produces carbon dioxide as waste, which is then released back into the atmosphere.

Plants are the only organisms that can produce oxygen through photosynthesis, in which they use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The oxygen produced during photosynthesis gets released into the atmosphere, where it can be used by other living organisms for respiration.

Overall, the oxygen cycle is driven by the need for energy. The oxygen produced by plants through photosynthesis is used by other organisms for respiration, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere for plants to then use for photosynthesis. This constant supply and demand of oxygen and carbon dioxide maintains the balance of the ecosystem and supports life on Earth.