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Fiveable

♻️AP Environmental Science Review

QR code for AP Environmental Science practice questions

The Carbon Cycle

♻️AP Environmental Science
Review

The Carbon Cycle

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Resources

This video covers the steps in the carbon cycle with an emphasis on reservoirs/sinks where carbon is often "stuck" for long periods of time and important chemical reactions. The cycle is covered as it would function without humans and how humans have changed the carbon cycle. The role of carbon in the greenhouse effect and climate change are briefly touched on. BONUS biogeochemical cycles - nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are covered at the end.