Chapter 24.3, Problem 1BTS

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

In what way the excess of carbon dioxide produced by the burning of fossil fuels affect the overall carbon cycle.

Introduction:

Carbon cycle is a pathway by which carbon moves through different components of the biosphere. It consists of several storage reservoirs and processes by which carbon moves between reservoirs.

The carbon from the atmosphere (reservoir) is taken by plants during photosynthesis and converts it to organic molecules. When the plant is eaten by animals, the carbon is transferred to them.

The plant and animals release carbon into the atmosphere during respiration. When both animals and plants die, the decomposers break down organic matter and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The cycle continues in this way.