Charlotte and Tara produced this slideshow to show the carbon cycle for VCE Biology.

1. The Carbon Cycle By Charlotte and Tara

2. How the carbon cycle works Carbon atoms are cycled through both living and non-living parts of an ecosystem. Producers or plants take up take up carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis where the plants use sunlight to create sugars and starches. Carbon dioxide (CO2) Sunlight Oxygen (O2) Water

3. Respiration As animals consume plants some of the carbon atoms are released as carbon dioxide, during the process of cellular respiration, when consumers break down sugars. The other carbon atoms are stored as energy in the forms of glucose in the body. Through the process of cellular respiration carbon is released into the atmosphere as inorganic carbon dioxide. C6H12O6 (glucose) + O2 (oxygen) CO2 (Carbon dioxide) + H2O (Water) energy Also when animals breathe in they are taking in oxygen and when they breathe out they are releasing carbon atoms (in the form of carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere.

4. Carbon dioxide is also released when detrivores and decomposers break down organic matter. So when ever something is rotting or breaking down there are carbon atoms released.

5. This is the cycle of carbon atoms. Carbon is released when an animals is eating, breathing and when they die decomposers break them down and release carbon atoms into the atmosphere. Also when leaves break down and are decomposed there is carbon atoms released into the air. Trees also take in carbon to convert it to sugars and starches through the process of photosynthesis. Decomposition via detritivores and decomposers Respiration CO2 in air Organic matter in producers Decomposers Photosynthesis Respiration Eating Organic matter in consumers Organic matter in dead organisms and in detritus Death and Excretion