The carbon cycle and decay process Flashcards
Why must materials be constantly cycled through the environment ?
Their is a fixed amount of all substances on Earth , so they must be recycled so they don’t run out
3 substances of molecules which make up our bodies which are made up of Carbon combined with other elements ?
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Lipids
3 Main processes involved in the cycling of Carbon on our planet ?
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Combustion
Photosynthesis ?
The process by which Carbon from the atmosphere is used to make organic substances with the aid of energy from the sun
Respiration ?
The process used by cells to release energy from breaking down organic substances ( Releases Co2 )
How is respiration different from breathing ?
Respiration is a chemical process used to release energy but breathing is a process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs
Combustion ?
This involves the burning of carbon based fuels to release energy. This produces Co2
What is decomposition ?
This is a process by which organic material are broken down by minerals
Why is decomposition important ?
Enables the recycling of substances
What are decomposers ?
These are organisms which break down organic material
What are detritus feeders ?
Organisms which feed on dead organisms or waste products
Examples of detritus feeders ?
Insects , bacteria , fungi
3 Conditions which affect the rate of decay ?
Temperature- Decay requires a high enough temperature to allow decomposes to work
Moisture - there needs to be enough moisture present to allow decomposes to function
Chemicals - some chemicals can also slow down the rate of decay
Sewage treatment ?
Sewage and urine is constantly being recycled t regenerate fresh water
Compost heap ?
These are used to convert biological waste into soil for growing plants
