In three to five sentences, describe how the diagram of Earth’s carbon cycle demonstrates the interactions among the biosphere (plants), the lithosphere (ground), the atmosphere (air), and the hydrosphere (water).
Carbon cycle shows the movement of carbon through Earth's spheres.
1 answer
Plants in the biosphere take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, releasing oxygen. This carbon is then transferred to the lithosphere through dead organic matter and geological processes such as weathering and erosion. Carbon also enters the hydrosphere through carbon dioxide dissolving in water and through the bodies of aquatic organisms. Carbon is then cycled back into the atmosphere through respiration, combustion, and volcanic activity. The diagram of Earth's carbon cycle demonstrates the interconnectedness and interdependence of the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere in maintaining the balance of carbon on our planet.