How does carbon move through the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem? Place the processes in the cycle.

Question

Ocean
Shells
Plants
CO₂
Animals
Fossils
Human use
Fuels

Respiration

Geologic storage

CaCO2 fixation

Photo- synthesis

Absorption

Combustion

Answer 1

The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon moves between the biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non-living components) parts of an ecosystem. Below is an overview of how carbon moves through the various components you've listed, along with the relevant processes:

1. CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) in the Atmosphere

   • Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter (glucose) using sunlight.

2. Plants

   • Absorption: Plants absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, storing carbon in their biomass (stems, leaves, and roots).

3. Animals

   • Consumption: Animals consume plants (and other animals), taking in carbon in the organic material.

4. Respiration:

   • Both plants and animals release CO₂ back into the atmosphere through respiration as they convert glucose for energy.

5. Ocean:

   • CO₂ from the atmosphere can dissolve in ocean water.
   • CaCO₂ Fixation: Marine organisms (like shellfish) use dissolved CO₂ in the water to form calcium carbonate (CaCO₂) for their shells.

6. Shells:

   • When marine organisms die, their shells can accumulate on the ocean floor and become part of sedimentary deposits.

7. Fossils:

   • Over geological time, shells and organic matter can be buried and converted into fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) through heat and pressure in a process known as geologic storage.

8. Human Use:

   • Humans extract fossil fuels for energy and other uses, which releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

9. Combustion:

   • When fossil fuels are burned for energy (like in cars, factories, and power plants), CO₂ is released back into the atmosphere, completing the cycle.

Summary of Processes in the Carbon Cycle:

• Photosynthesis → Plants absorb CO₂ → Animals consume plants → Respiration → CO₂ released back into the atmosphere.
• From atmosphere to ocean → CaCO₂ Fixation in marine organisms → Shells → Fossils → Geologic Storage and human extraction → Combustion, releasing CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

This cycle is crucial to maintain the balance of carbon in the environment and is essential for life on Earth.