8.30 Stages of the Carbon Cycle

1. Photosynthesis       Co2 + H2O --> C6H12O1 + O2
 reduces atmospheric CO2

2. Feeding                  Producer --> Primary Consumer --> Secondary Consumer

The primary consumer takes in the carbon from the producer and uses it to grow, the carbon passes along the food chain

3. Respiration             C6H12O6 --> Energy + CO2
 Adds CO2 to the atmosphere by animals

4. Decomposition
After death, the organic molecules that remain are broken down by the decomposer organisms (bacteria, funghi) results in release of CO2 back into the atmosphere

5. Combustion        

Fossil Fuels
Release CO2  (Industrial combustion/vehicles)
              
Lighting striking vegetation/forest or grassland fires release CO2

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/images/carboncycle.jpg