Question

Think about a carbon atom that is released into the atmosphere from burning wood in a campfire. If it were to go through the whole carbon cycle, number the steps that would follow.

Answer 1

Step 1: A tree absorbs the carbon from the atmosphere into its leaves for photosynthesis.

Step 2: A caterpillar gets the carbon by eating the tree's leaves.

Step 3: A bird gets the carbon by eating the caterpillar.

Step 4: The bird flies into a building and dies instantly. It falls to the ground.

Step 5: The bird decomposes and the carbon returns to the atmosphere.