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The Carbon Cycle
 :
The different forms and
compounds in which carbon atoms are found are considered chemical reservoirs of
carbon. These reservoirs include atmospheric carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate
(in limestone), natural gas, and organic molecules, to name a few.
 : Plants use carbon
dioxide and energy from the sun to form carbohydrates in photosynthesis. The
carbohydrates are consumed by other organisms, and are eventually broken down,
or “oxidized”.
 : The process of respiration. The chemical representation of
how carbohydrates are broken down, or oxidized, thereby releasing energy for
use by the consuming organisms. The carbon used and circulated in
photosynthesis represents only a tiny portion of the available global carbon.
Atmospheric carbon
dioxide levels have increased by 30% since the 1800’s (industrial
revolution).This increase can be explained, primarily, but several human
activities. The most significant of these activities is the burning of fossil
fuels.
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