carbon cycle
Key terms Term Meaning Carbon An essential element that forms the base of all organic matter, including the bodies of living organisms, and is a key component of fossil fuels Carbon dioxide \ce{(CO2)} ( C O X 2 ) A compound in the atmosphere that is taken in by photosynthetic organisms to make organic molecules and is later released back into the atmosphere through processes such as respiration and decomposition Photosynthesis The process by which energy from sunlight is used to transform carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the organic matter that fuels food webs Cellular respiration The process by which living organisms break down organic compounds to produce usable energy, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a by-product Carbon cycle The complex flow of carbon between inorganic and organic sources within the environment The carbon cycle and carbon reservoirs The carbon cycle describes the continuous flow of carbon between organic and inorganic carb...