The Carbon Cycle - 1.png - Free Printable

To solve the problem of labeling the numbered boxes in the carbon cycle diagram, we need to match each box with the correct process or component from the provided list. Let's analyze the diagram step by step and assign the appropriate labels.

Key Components of the Carbon Cycle:

1. Photosynthesis: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into glucose (food) using sunlight.
2. Respiration by plants and animals: Organisms release carbon dioxide back into the air as a byproduct of breaking down food for energy.
3. Feeding: Animals consume plants or other organisms, transferring carbon within the ecosystem.
4. Decomposition: Dead organisms are broken down by decomposers (e.g., bacteria and fungi), releasing carbon dioxide and nutrients back into the environment.
5. Combustion: Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
6. Fossil fuels formed over millions of years: Organic matter buried underground over long periods forms coal, oil, and natural gas.
7. Death and waste: Dead organisms and waste products contribute to the carbon cycle through decomposition.

Labeling the Diagram:

Now, let's match the processes to the numbered boxes in the diagram:

1. Box 1: This arrow points from "Carbon dioxide in the air" to the plant. This is Photosynthesis, where plants use carbon dioxide to produce glucose.
- Label: Photosynthesis

2. Box 2: This arrow points from the plant to "Carbon dioxide in the air." This is Respiration by plants, where plants release carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration.
- Label: Respiration by plants

3. Box 3: This arrow points from the plant to the rabbit. This is Feeding, where the rabbit consumes the plant to obtain carbon.
- Label: Feeding

4. Box 4: This arrow points from the dead rabbit to "Carbon dioxide in the air." This is Decomposition, where decomposers break down the dead rabbit, releasing carbon dioxide.
- Label: Decomposition

5. Box 5: This arrow points from the rabbit to "Carbon dioxide in the air." This is Respiration by animals, where the rabbit releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration.
- Label: Respiration by animals

6. Box 6: This arrow points from the sun to the plant. This is part of Photosynthesis, but since it's already labeled in Box 1, this box represents the overall process of photosynthesis driven by sunlight.
- Label: Photosynthesis (reinforcement)

7. Box 7: This arrow points from "Fossil fuels formed over millions of years" to "Carbon dioxide in the air." This is Combustion, where burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.
- Label: Combustion

8. Box 8: This arrow points from the flower to the rabbit. This is Feeding, where the rabbit consumes the flower to obtain carbon.
- Label: Feeding

Final Labels:

1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration by plants
3. Feeding
4. Decomposition
5. Respiration by animals
6. Photosynthesis
7. Combustion
8. Feeding

Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
1. \text{Photosynthesis}, \,
2. \text{Respiration by plants}, \,
3. \text{Feeding}, \,
4. \text{Decomposition}, \,
5. \text{Respiration by animals}, \,
6. \text{Photosynthesis}, \,
7. \text{Combustion}, \,
8. \text{Feeding}
}
\]