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The diagram shows the processes involved in the carbon cycle - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 4
The diagram shows the processes involved in the carbon cycle. Each process is numbered. 1. 2. 3. bacteria and fungi in the soil 5. atmospheric carbon dioxide... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the processes involved in the carbon cycle - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Describe the numbered processes that return carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
Answer
The processes that return carbon dioxide into the atmosphere include:
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Respiration: This process occurs when organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
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Decomposition: When plants and animals die, decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down their organic matter, which releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
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Combustion: Although not explicitly numbered in the question, when organic materials are burned, whether in wildfires or through human activities, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.