The element Carbon is one of the most important elements for life on Earth. Carbon is constantly being recycled so that life on earth can continue.



The whole of the carbon cycle is quite simple:


  • Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is consumed by the process of photosynthesis. Carbon compounds such as carbohydrates (glucose) are made during this process.




  • Animals (including humans of course) consume the products made from plants (and of course those carbon compounds eaten by animals, which then are eaten by humans).
  • The carbon continues to move up the food chain, until some of these consumers die (as do all animals eventually). These animals then start to decompose.
  • Smaller organisms, such as woodlice are what are known as "detritus feeders", feeding on the remains (and excrement) of dead and living animals respectively.
  • Some carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere when the detritus feeders respire.





  • Some carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere due to combustion (human activity, burning wood et cetera).


The whole process seems to be a very efficient recycling scheme.