Two natural ways that carbon flows through the carbon cycle are:
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Photosynthesis: This process occurs when plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into glucose (a form of energy) and oxygen. During photosynthesis, carbon is taken from the atmosphere and incorporated into plant biomass, which serves as a foundational component of the food web.
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Respiration: Animals, plants, and microorganisms undergo cellular respiration, where they convert glucose and oxygen into energy, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as a byproduct. This process recycles carbon in the ecosystem, as consumers (animals) obtain glucose from the plants they eat, and both producers and consumers release CO2 during respiration.
These two processes are integral to maintaining the balance of carbon in the environment.