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The diagram shows the processes involved in the carbon cycle - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 4
The diagram shows the processes involved in the carbon cycle. Each process is numbered. atmospheric carbon dioxide 1 2 3 bacteria and fungi in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the processes involved in the carbon cycle - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Describe the numbered processes that return carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
Answer
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Respiration: Animals and plants respire, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to release energy.
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Decomposition: When plants and animals die, decomposers break down their organic matter. This process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as the material is decomposed.
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Combustion: Burning of fossil fuels or biomass also contributes to the return of carbon dioxide, as it releases CO2 when carbon-rich materials are combusted.