What is the carbon cycle?

CO2 is removed from the environment by green plants and algae during photosynthesis When respiration occurs some carbon is returned to the atmosphere When plants and algae are eaten by animals the carbon moves through the food chain Some carbon is returned to the atmosphere when animals respire When plants, animals and algae die microorganisms (detritus feeders) feed on the remains When these respire carbon is returned to the atmosphere The process begins again