CLASS 9 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Carbon cycle and climate – basic principles
How it works
The carbon cycle describes how carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, living organisms, soil, oceans and rocks. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and convert it into organic substances. Animals and humans release CO₂ through respiration. Dead organisms are decomposed, releasing CO₂ or methane. The combustion of fossil fuels additionally releases CO₂. The carbon cycle is closely linked to the climate system because CO₂ is a greenhouse gas and intensifies the greenhouse effect.
Note
In the carbon cycle, carbon is constantly converted between the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere; human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels influence this cycle and the climate.
In the carbon cycle, carbon is constantly converted between the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere; human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels influence this cycle and the climate.
An example
What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?
Plants take CO₂ from the atmosphere and incorporate it into organic substances through photosynthesis. In this way, they remove CO₂ from the air and act as a carbon sink.
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Biology. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.