Question

State the function of a reservoir in a nutrient cycle. Explain the simplified model of carbon cycle in nature.

Answer 1

The function of a reservoir in a nutrient cycle: It meets the deficit which occurs due to the imbalances in the state of influx and efflux of nutrients.

Carbon cycle:

1. Carbon enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide from respiration (breathing) and combustion (burning).
   
2. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by producers to make carbohydrates by the process of photosynthesis. These producers then give out oxygen.
   
3. Animals feed on the plants. Thus, they pass the carbon compounds along the food chain. Most of the carbon these animals consume however is exhaled as carbon dioxide. This is through the process of respiration. The animals and plants then eventually die.
   
4. The dead organisms are eaten by decomposers in the ground. The carbon that was in their bodies is then returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. In some circumstances, the process of decomposition is prevented. The decomposed plants and animals may then be available as fossil fuel in the future for combustion.