Question

Explain the carbon cycle starting with primary producers and ending

with decomposers. Be sure to include how respiration, reservoirs and
humans play a part in the carbon cycle.

Answer 1

Carbon Cycle Definition

The carbon cycle is the cycle by which carbon moves through our Earth’s various systems. The carbon cycle is influenced by living things, atmospheric changes, ocean chemistry, and geologic activity are all part of this cycle. The levels of carbon are at an all-time high, largely due to human activities.

Carbon Cycle Overview

Carbon is an essential element for life as we know it because of its ability to form multiple, stable bonds with other molecules. This is why nucleotides, amino acids, sugars, and lipids all depend on carbon backbones: carbon provides a stable structure that allows the chemistry of life to happen. Without carbon, none of these molecules could exist and function in the ways that permit the chemistry of life to occur.

The graphic below illustrates some common ways in which carbon moves through the ecosystem:

Carbon Cycle in Olympic's Forests