1. Carbon CycleCarbon Cycle

2. Carbon CycleCarbon Cycle
Fourth most abundant element in universe
Building block of all living things
Main Pathway– in and out of living matter

3. Key TermsKey Terms
Carbon Cycle- Circulation of carbon
through ecosystems
Carbon- A non-metallic element found in
coal, petroleum and natural gas. Major
component of life.
Soil Respiration- Carbohydrates are
oxidized and returned to the air by soil
microorganisms that decompose dead
animals

4. Key Terms Continued
Atmosphere- layer of gasses
Fossil Fuels- Carbon-rich fuel from ancient
animals and plants
Photosynthesis- Energy (sun)+ Water+
Carbon dioxide Carbohydrates+ Oxygen
Cellular Respiration- Glucose+ Oxygen
CO2+ H20+ Energy (ATP)
Decomposition- breakdown of matter by
bacteria and fungi

5. Biological Importance of CarbonBiological Importance of Carbon
All living organisms contain carbon
CO2 is found in all living organisms
Plants use carbon dioxide and water to
form simple sugars (photosynthesis)

6. Ecological Importance of CarbonEcological Importance of Carbon
Carbon is needed for life
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas
Carbon is necessary for life, but carbon
dioxide can be harmful

7. Amount of CarbonAmount of Carbon
0.032% in the lithosphere
2 petagrams

8. Carbon in the atmosphereCarbon in the atmosphere
Smallest amount of carbon
Approximately 750 petagrams

9. BiosphereBiosphere
540- 610 gigatons

10. hydrosphere
38,00-40,00 metric tons

15. SourcesSources
 http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/earth_syste
 http://www.actewagl.com/education/Glossary/default.aspx?
letterSearch=C
 http://www.eoearth.org/article/Carbon_cycle
 http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0857177.html
 http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/ctec/Carbon/carboncycle.htm
 http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Bi-Ca/Carbon-Dioxide-in-the-
Ocean-and-Atmosphere.html