The tropical rain forests that are being cleared to grow crops for biofuels normally trap _____ carbon dioxide than the crops do.
A. more
B. less
C. the same amount of
Thank You.
http://www.savetherainforest.org/savetherainforest_007.htm
To determine the answer, we need to consider the process of carbon dioxide trapping in tropical rainforests and compare it with the crops grown for biofuels.
Tropical rainforests are known for their ability to store significant amounts of carbon dioxide through a process called carbon sequestration. Trees and plants in these forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass and soil. This helps lower the concentration of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere and contributes to addressing climate change.
On the other hand, crops grown for biofuels generally have a shorter lifespan and lower biomass compared to mature rainforests. While they do absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, they are typically harvested and replanted rather than being allowed to mature fully. This means they have less time to capture and store carbon dioxide effectively.
In light of this information, the answer to the question is:
B. less
Crops grown for biofuels trap less carbon dioxide than the tropical rainforests they replace because the rainforests have greater capacity for carbon sequestration due to their larger size, longer lifespan, and higher biomass.