How would the carbon cycle be disrupted if many plants on Earth died off?
a
The amount of water in Earth's atmosphere would decrease, trapping water vapor and causing Earth's atmosphere to become warmer.
b
The amount of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere would increase, trapping water vapor and causing Earth's atmosphere to become warmer.
c
The amount of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere would increase, releasing water vapor and causing Earth's atmosphere to become cooler.
d
The amount of nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere would increase, releasing water vapor and causing Earth's temperature to become cooler.
The correct option is:
b. The amount of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere would increase, trapping water vapor and causing Earth's atmosphere to become warmer.
Plants play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. If many plants on Earth died off, there would be a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide being absorbed. This would result in an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and trapping more heat. As a result, Earth's atmosphere would become warmer.