Understanding the Carbon Cycle — Passage and Quiz
Understanding the Carbon Cycle
Carbon is a special element that's found in all living things. It moves around our planet in a cycle called the carbon cycle. This cycle is important for life on Earth.
The carbon cycle starts with plants. They take carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight to make their own food. This process is called photosynthesis. Animals then eat these plants and get the carbon.
When plants and animals breathe out, they release carbon dioxide back into the air. When they die, the carbon in their bodies goes into the soil. Over a very long time, this can form fossil fuels like coal and oil.
When we burn fossil fuels in cars or factories, the carbon goes back into the air as carbon dioxide. Too much carbon dioxide in the air can make our planet too warm, which is called global warming.
The ocean also plays a big part in the carbon cycle. It can absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which helps keep our air clean. But if the ocean absorbs too much, it can become too acidic, which is bad for sea life.
The carbon cycle keeps the amount of carbon on Earth balanced. It's like a big recycling system for carbon. Understanding the carbon cycle helps us take better care of our planet.
Quiz
1. What is the first step in the carbon cycle?
2. Which process describes plants using sunlight to make food?
3. What happens when we burn fossil fuels?
4. Put these steps of the carbon cycle in the correct order: 1. Animals eat plants 2. Plants take in carbon dioxide 3. Animals release carbon dioxide 4. Plants make food using sunlight
5. What role does the ocean play in the carbon cycle?
6. What can happen if there's too much carbon dioxide in the air?
Common core standards covered
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