Which is considered the largest carbon reservoir?(1 point)
Responses
atmosphere
atmosphere
terrestrial biosphere
terrestrial biosphere
rocks and sediments
rocks and sediments
fossil fuels
fossil fuels
What is an advantage of using models to represent the carbon cycle?(1 point)
Responses
predicts conditions that will exist during future events
predicts conditions that will exist during future events
can collect data on the amount of carbon in the atmosphere at a specific time
can collect data on the amount of carbon in the atmosphere at a specific time
show a complete and detailed account of every event in the cycle
show a complete and detailed account of every event in the cycle
can represent an entire system at once
can represent an entire system at once
Describe the cycling of carbon in the carbon cycle as it passes through the living and non-living components of the ecosystem
The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the living and non-living components of the ecosystem. It starts with carbon dioxide (CO2) being taken up by plants during photosynthesis. Plants convert CO2 into organic carbon compounds, which are used for growth and energy.
Through the process of respiration, plants release CO2 back into the atmosphere. When plants and animals die, their organic matter decomposes, and carbon is released into the soil as organic carbon or absorbed by microorganisms.
The carbon stored in the soil can undergo further decomposition by bacteria and fungi, which releases CO2 back into the atmosphere. Some carbon can be transformed into fossil fuels over millions of years, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
When these fossil fuels are burned for energy, CO2 is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Additionally, human activities such as deforestation and land-use changes disrupt the carbon cycle by reducing the number of plants that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Overall, the cycling of carbon involves the continuous exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, living organisms, and the Earth's crust, through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.