Water And Air Pollution - Biology

Water And Air Pollution

Decomposition

Decay and decomposition are caused by fungi and bacteria called decomposers. Nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen and the compounds they form are released because of their activities. The nutrients are absorbed in solution by plants and pass to animals as the result of feeding.

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is recycled as carbon dioxide (CO2) through respiration and photosynthesis in the carbon cycle. Plants absorb CO2 from the environment, which enables their cells to produce sugars by photosynthesis. The sugars can be used to form the other carbohydrates, lypids (fats and oils) and proteins that build plant bodies. When plants are eaten by animals, the carbon in the plant tissues becomes part of the animal bodies. The transfer of carbon continues as animals are eaten by other animals. During respiration, organisms release carbon dioxide into the…