The diagram below shows the carbon cycle. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Carbon Dioxide Photosynthesis Pollution Respiration Feeding COMBUSTION ANIMALS PLANTS OCEAN Decomposition Sedimentation Extraction Fossilization FUELS (oll, coal & gas) FOSSILS (limestone & shells)

The diagram illustrates how carbon is exchanged throughout the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, terrestrial ecosystem and living organisms.

Overall

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, it is clearly seen from the arrows that the carbon cycle involves several pathways, requiring Carbon dioxide (CO2) release into the environment and how it is reabsorbed.

To begin

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, looking at the involved in the emission of CO2 into the surroundings requires two different processes.

Firstly

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, the natural way, involving plants and animals.

That is

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, plants contain CO2 and when consumed by animals, they both release CO2 into the atmosphere through a process known as respiration.

Secondly

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, human activities foster the emission of CO2, and the primary source of energy globally is fossil fuel. Once it is extracted and used as fuel, road vehicles via combustion emit CO2 into the environment causing pollution and possible climate change.

Furthermore

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, considering the absorption of CO2 , the oceans absorb it to form calcium carbonate which is used up naturally to form shells and limestones. When the organisms in the water die, the CO2 contents of the shells settle to the water floor and undergo sedimentation.

In addition

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, via a process called photosynthesis, CO2 is absorbed by plants, leading to the discharge of oxygen into the surroundings. The grasses are either eaten by animals or decay, and fossilization leads to the formation of fossils.

This

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encourages the above-mentioned pathways,

hence

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cycle is constantly repeated.