Question

How does carbon cycle occur in an ecosystem?

Answer 1

Carbon cycle plays an important role in balancing the quantity of carbon atoms that are present in the atmosphere. As we know, there are a finite number of carbon particles present on earth, so if the carbon consumed by organisms does not reach back to the atmosphere, this will create an imbalance in the ecosystem and will pose a danger for life.

Complete answer:
-Carbon cycle starts when the plants intake carbon atoms in the form of bicarbonate, that is, carbon dioxide to convert it into organic molecules i.e. carbohydrates.
-Plants with the use of photosynthesis make carbohydrates using atmospheric carbon dioxide.
-When plants are consumed by animals, the molecules are consumed by animals.
-Animals during the process of respiration, release this carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
-When plants are not eaten by animals, they die eventually and mix with the soil.
-They start decomposed by the work of decomposing bacteria on them. This results in release of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere due to decomposing bacteria.
-Now, when the whole plant does not decompose, the remains of the plant convert into fossil fuels.
-These fossil fuels are further taken up by humans and they use fossil fuel as a source of fuel to use in factories. The emission from factories results in release of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere and now plants take that carbon molecule to start the process of photosynthesis.
-This cycle goes on again and again and helps in balancing the carbon quantity in an ecosystem.
-The atoms of carbon continuously exchange between various spheres present on earth- biosphere, lithosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
-The maintenance of carbon quantity on earth is important as carbon helps in trapping the solar energy on earth and helps in insulating the earth.
-Carbon is also an element used by various living forms to make food and to make stable other products which are essential for the survival of life on the planet.

Note: The oceanic carbon cycle gives less amount of carbon dioxide as compared to what it takes and hence the name “carbon sinks'' is given to the cycle. The carbon dioxide taken from sea animals is converted into calcium carbonate to form their hard seashells. When these sea animals die, their hard shells deposit on the bottom of the sea and sea or ocean waves work upon the hard shells to break them into limestone. These limestone rocks, when they get in contact with air, and get withered, they release carbon dioxide returning it back to the atmosphere.