Question

Explain carbon cycle in ecosystem. Give a linear diagram of carbon cycle.

Answer 1

Carbon is a component of all organic compounds of protoplasm like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, hormones, etc. It constitutes 49% of dry weight of organisms and is next only to water in abundance. Carbon cycling occurs through atmosphere, ocean and through living and dead organisms. A considerable amount of carbon returns to the atmosphere as $C{O}_2$ through respiratory activities of producers and consumers. Decomposers also contribute substantially to $C{O}_2$ pool by their processing of waste materials and dead organic matter of land or oceans. Burning of wood, forest fire and combustion of organic matter, fossil fuels, volcanic activities are additional sources for releasing $C{O}_2$ in the atmosphere.