Explain with suitable diagram the path that carbon takes to go back to the atmosphere. Class 9

Explain with suitable diagram the path that carbon takes to go back to the atmosphere. Class 9

Question 1.

Explain with suitable diagram the path that carbon takes to go back to the atmosphere. You may start from plants using CO₂ from the atmosphere. Class 9

Answer:

Path of Carbon — Step by Step:

Step 1 — Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose using sunlight.

Step 2 — Respiration: Plants and animals release CO₂ back into the atmosphere through respiration.

Step 3 — Consumption: Animals eat plants, transferring carbon through the food chain.

Step 4 — Decomposition: When organisms die, decomposers break down organic matter and release CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

Step 5 — Fossil Fuel Formation: Over millions of years, buried dead organisms form fossil fuels like coal and oil.

Step 6 — Combustion: Burning fossil fuels rapidly releases stored carbon back as CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Step 7 — Ocean Exchange: Oceans absorb and release CO₂ with phytoplankton using dissolved

CO₂ for photosynthesis.

Conclusion: Carbon moves between the atmosphere, plants, animals, oceans and fossil fuels through the carbon cycle. Human activities like burning fossil fuels have accelerated CO₂, release, disturbing this natural balance.