Carbon Cycle – Class 12 | Chapter – 14| Biology Short Notes Series PDF

Carbon Cycle: The carbon cycle refers to the flow of carbon atoms through the Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. The carbon cycle is a key component of the Earth’s climate system, as it regulates the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.

Key Process of Carbon Cycle

• Photosynthesis: During photosynthesis, plants and algae absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and use it to produce energy and build their tissues. This process removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and stores it in plant matter.

• Respiration: During respiration, plants and animals release CO₂ into the atmosphere as a byproduct of energy production. This process returns CO₂ to the atmosphere.
• Decomposition: When plants and animals die, their tissues are decomposed by microbes, which releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere.
• Fossil Fuel Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere, disrupting the natural balance of the carbon cycle.

• Ocean-Atmosphere Exchange: The oceans absorb and release CO₂ through the process of ocean-atmosphere exchange, which affects the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Importance of Carbon Cycle

• Regulating Climate: It regulates the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which affects the Earth’s climate. By removing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in plant matter, the carbon cycle helps to mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gases and global warming.

• Supporting Life: It is essential for the survival of all living organisms, as it provides the carbon atoms that are the building blocks of life. Through photosynthesis, plants produce the oxygen that is necessary for animal respiration and the food that is necessary for all living organisms.
• Stabilizing the Earth’s Ecosystems: The carbon cycle helps to stabilize the Earth’s ecosystems by cycling carbon through the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. By maintaining a balance of carbon in the Earth’s systems, the carbon cycle helps to ensure the stability and health of ecosystems.
• Providing Energy: It is a source of energy for living organisms, as the carbon stored in plant matter can be used as fuel for combustion and energy production.

• Maintaining Soil Fertility: It helps to maintain soil fertility, as the carbon stored in soils can be used by plants to produce energy and build their tissues.

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By Team Learning Mantras