The two primary processes that fuel the carbon cycle are photosynthesis and respiration.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic molecules, primarily sugars, using sunlight as energy. This process not only helps in forming the basis of the food chain but also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
On the other hand, respiration is how living organisms, including plants and animals, release energy by breaking down those organic molecules. During respiration, carbon dioxide is produced and returned to the atmosphere. The balance between these two processes is crucial, as photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide while respiration adds it back, helping to maintain a stable level of carbon in the ecosystem.