The continuous movement of carbon through Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms, involving processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion. This cycle regulates Earth's climate and supports all life on the planet.
From Latin 'carbo' meaning 'coal' or 'charcoal' and Greek 'kyklos' meaning 'circle.' The concept developed in the 1800s as scientists began understanding how carbon moves between different Earth systems, with the full cycle mapped by the mid-1900s.
The carbon cycle is life's ultimate recycling program! Every carbon atom in your body has been cycling through Earth's systems for billions of years - it might have been in a dinosaur, a deep ocean current, or a towering redwood tree before becoming part of you!
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