The Oxygen Cycle

The oxygen cycle describes how oxygen moves through the environment. Plants and algae take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. Animals and humans breathe in oxygen for energy and release carbon dioxide. The oxygen also gets stored in the soil and water, where it supports various organisms. When plants and animals die, their bodies decompose, releasing some oxygen back into the environment. Overall, the cycle maintains a balance of oxygen in the atmosphere, supporting life on Earth by constantly recycling this essential element through biological and environmental processes.