What 3 ways does carbon get back into the atmosphere?
marine plankton remains
photosynthesis
combusion
cellular respiration
evaporation
Choose 3 of the above
marine plankton remains
cellular respiration
combustion
The three ways carbon gets back into the atmosphere are:
1. Photosynthesis: During photosynthesis, plants and other photosynthetic organisms convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic carbon compounds, releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. When these organisms die or are consumed by other organisms, the carbon is eventually released back into the atmosphere through decomposition or respiration.
2. Cellular respiration: All living organisms, including plants and animals, undergo cellular respiration, which is the process of breaking down organic carbon compounds to release energy. This process produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct, which is then released back into the atmosphere.
3. Combustion: When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This process is a major contributor to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, leading to climate change.
To determine the three ways carbon gets back into the atmosphere, we can analyze each of the options given:
1. Marine plankton remains: When marine plankton dies, its organic matter sinks to the ocean floor. Over time, some of this organic matter may be converted into fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas, or coal. When these fossil fuels are burned for energy or used in industrial processes, carbon that was stored for millions of years is released back into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2).
2. Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds like carbohydrates. When plants undergo photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide gas and convert it into glucose and oxygen. However, when plants respire, decompose, or are burned, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2.
3. Cellular respiration: Organisms, including humans and animals, undergo cellular respiration to produce energy. During this process, organic compounds (such as glucose) are broken down in cells, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide as a waste product. The produced CO2 is then exhaled, releasing it back into the atmosphere.
Therefore, the three ways carbon gets back into the atmosphere from the given options are: marine plankton remains, photosynthesis (through respiration or decomposition), and cellular respiration (exhalation).