Question

Think about a carbon atom that is released into the atmosphere from burning wood in a campfire. If it were to go through the whole carbon cycle, number the steps that would follow.

1. Step 1
A tree absorbs the carbon from the atmosphere into its leaves for photosynthesis.
2. Step 2
The bird flies into a building and dies instantly. It falls to the ground.
3. Step 3
The bird decomposes and the carbon returns to the atmosphere.
4. Step 4
A bird gets the carbon by eating the caterpillar.
5. Step 5
A caterpillar gets the carbon by eating the tree's leaves.

Answer 1

The correct order for the steps in the carbon cycle, starting from the carbon atom being released into the atmosphere from burning wood in a campfire, would be as follows:

1. **Step 1**
A tree absorbs the carbon from the atmosphere into its leaves for photosynthesis.

5. **Step 2**
A caterpillar gets the carbon by eating the tree's leaves.

4. **Step 3**
A bird gets the carbon by eating the caterpillar.

2. **Step 4**
The bird flies into a building and dies instantly. It falls to the ground.

3. **Step 5**
The bird decomposes and the carbon returns to the atmosphere.

So, the ordered steps would be: **1 → 5 → 4 → 2 → 3**.