Is all of Earth’s carbon dioxide supply constantly being used by organisms?(1 point)
Responses
Yes, and it briefly passes through the atmosphere as it cycles between organisms.
Yes, and it briefly passes through the atmosphere as it cycles between organisms.
No, some is stored in Earth’s carbon sinks, such as the oceans.
No, some is stored in Earth’s carbon sinks, such as the oceans.
No, some is stored in Earth’s only carbon sink, the atmosphere.
No, some is stored in Earth’s only carbon sink, the atmosphere.
Yes, and it is used up as soon as it is formed.
No, some is stored in Earth’s carbon sinks, such as the oceans.
Which of these is the largest living carbon sink?(1 point)
Responses
forests
forests
ocean
ocean
soil
soil
insects
ocean
No, some is stored in Earth's carbon sinks, such as the oceans.
To understand this, we need to understand the carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon atoms are continuously recycled and exchanged among the various components of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, biosphere (organisms), lithosphere (Earth's crust), and hydrosphere (water bodies).
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an essential component of the carbon cycle. It is taken up by plants during photosynthesis and used to build organic compounds, such as carbohydrates. When organisms respire or decompose, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere.
However, not all of the carbon dioxide released is immediately used by organisms. Some of it is stored in natural reservoirs or carbon sinks. The largest carbon sink is the world's oceans, where carbon dioxide dissolves in the water and can be stored for long periods. Additionally, forests and other terrestrial ecosystems also act as carbon sinks by absorbing and storing carbon in vegetation and soils.
So, while some of Earth's carbon dioxide supply is constantly used by organisms, a significant portion is stored in carbon sinks, such as the oceans. This storage helps to regulate the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and maintain a balance in the carbon cycle.