Final answer:
The oxygen cycle involves the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere, beginning with photosynthesis and ending with decomposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Oxygen Cycle
Understanding the flow of oxygen through the atmosphere and the hydrosphere begins with the process of photosynthesis, where plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. This is a critical part of the biological carbon cycle that involves autotrophs using carbon dioxide to create organic compounds, like glucose, using the sun's energy. The next stage is respiration, where animals, through the process of living, breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide can be part of the combustion process, where burning, including fossil fuel consumption, releases further carbon dioxide. Over time, organic material can be converted into fossil fuels under certain conditions, which is a long-term storage form of carbon. Finally, when living organisms decompose, they contribute to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, completing the cycle.