FOCUS QUESTION

How does carbon move through Earth’s systems?

The map breaks this topic into its core concepts, connected by labeled relationships. Each link is written so it can be read as a complete statement — not just an unlabeled line between boxes.

Concepts and relationships

  • Carbon Cycle moves Atmospheric CO₂.
  • Atmospheric CO₂ is absorbed by Photosynthesis.
  • Photosynthesis reversed by Respiration.
  • Respiration releases Atmospheric CO₂.
  • Decomposition returns Atmospheric CO₂.
  • Fossil Fuels is burned in Combustion.
  • Combustion adds Atmospheric CO₂.
  • Atmospheric CO₂ dissolves into Oceans.

How to read this map

Start at atmospheric CO₂ and follow each arrow — photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion — to see how carbon returns to the air.

Learning objectives

  • Name the main stages of the carbon cycle.
  • Explain how photosynthesis and respiration move carbon.
  • Describe how fossil fuels and combustion add CO₂.
  • Connect the oceans to the wider cycle.
Editorial note: Stage names and transitions were checked against standard secondary-school biology descriptions. Sources: OpenStax Biology 2e — Biogeochemical Cycles.