Page 2 - 3-Lesson Notes-Oxygen Cycle

Oxygen Cycle

❖ The cycle of consumption and release of oxygen in nature is called the
oxygen cycle. Photosynthesis and respiration are the two main processes
responsible for maintaining the balance of oxygen in the air.
❖ The oxygen that is present in the air is taken in by all the living creatures and
release carbon dioxide.
❖ Green plants take in carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis. It is
during this process that the food for the plant is prepared. The end products of
this process are starch and oxygen. This oxygen is released into the air. This
is how the oxygen is balanced in the air.
❖ The rate of photosynthesis is very high during the day time. Plants produce
much more oxygen than they consume during respiration.
❖ Plants and animals are interdependent and help to maintain the oxygen cycle.
❖ The oxygen cycle helps in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon
dioxide in the air.
❖ However, continuous deforestation and urbanization have led to an increase
in carbon dioxide in the air.
❖ This has led to serious environmental issues such as global warming.
❖ Thus, we should plant more trees to ensure the balance of these gases in the
atmosphere.

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