The Carbon Cycle

✓ Carbon exists as carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
✓ Plants absorb Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and they release Carbon dioxide during respiration. Animals obtain Carbon by feeding on plants and they release carbon dioxide during respiration.
✓ Plants and animals also release carbon dioxide when they die and their dead bodies are broken down by saprophytic bacteria and fungi during decay.
✓ The combustion of fossil fuels, volcanic eruptions and fossilization also releases carbon dioxide.
✓ When the concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is very high, some will dissolve inside the water bodies to form bicarbonates (dissolution) and when the concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is low, the bicarbonate will dissociate to release carbon dioxide.
✓ Excretion by plants and animals also releases carbon dioxide

Importance of the Carbon Cycle
• Maintains atmospheric carbon dioxide.
• Supplies carbon for food production.
• Supports photosynthesis.
• Maintains ecological balance.