Problem
Students build a terrarium as a model for the carbon cycle. Their model has moist sand, soil, rocks, small plants, and snails in a clear sealed jar. The snails eat the plants.
1. Why is cellular respiration an important part of the carbon cycle in the terrarium?
2. Explain how cellular respiration helps move carbon between the biosphere and the atmosphere. Include examples of specific autotrophs and heterotrophs from the terrarium model to support your explanation.