Represent schematically and describe the carbon cycle in the ecosystem?
Carbon is derived from the atmosphere and water. Carbon is present in the atmosphere predominantly in the form of carbon dioxide. It is essential for the production of carbohydrates via photosynthesis. It is incorporated into tissues of green plants e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. 6 CO2+ 12 H2O −→−−−−−Chlorophyllhv C6H12O6 + 6 H2O + 6 O26 CO2+ 12 H2O →Chlorophyllhv C6H12O6 + 6 H2O + 6 O2 The CO2CO2 dissolved in seawater is utilized by marine animals like protozoans, corals, molluscs etc. for their life. In these animals, CO2CO2 is converted into calcium carbonate which is used for the construction of shells. CO2 + H2O → H2CO3→ CaCO3 + H+CO2 + H2O → H2CO3→ CaCO3 + H+ After the death of marine animals, CaCO3CaCO3 store in shells is either deposited as sedimentary rock or dissolved in water to release CO2. A certain amount of carbon is deposited in the form of coal carbon. Coal returns to the air in the form of CO2CO2 through combustion and weathering. Thus, carbon from the atmospheric pool moves to green plants, then to animals, and finally to bacteria, fungi, etc. They return it to the atmosphere through decomposition.
