FSQ 9

Front

What happens to the carbon stored in leaves when they decay?

Back

The carbon is converted into carbon dioxide and released into the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

When leaves decay, the carbon stored in them is broken down by microorganisms, converting it into carbon dioxide, which is then released into the atmosphere. This process is part of the natural carbon cycle.

Front

Which model demonstrates a correct pathway carbon takes in the carbon cycle? Options: soil → animals → plants → atmosphere, plants → soil → animals → atmosphere, atmosphere → plants → animals → soil, animals → plants → atmosphere → soil

Back

plants → soil → animals → atmosphere

Answer explanation

The correct pathway in the carbon cycle is: plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere, then transfer it to the soil through decomposition, which is consumed by animals, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

Front

In a model of the carbon cycle, which process does NOT contribute directly to the storage of carbon within sediment?

Back

the formation of carbon dioxide through metabolism of carbohydrates

Answer explanation

The formation of carbon dioxide through metabolism of carbohydrates does not store carbon in sediment. Instead, it releases CO2 back into the atmosphere, while the other processes contribute to carbon storage in sediment.

Front

How does photosynthesis follow the law of conservation of energy?

Back

Light energy from the Sun is converted into chemical energy in plant cells.

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis converts light energy from the Sun into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process exemplifies the law of conservation of energy, as energy is transformed rather than created or destroyed.

Front

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

• A finite amount of carbon exists on Earth, and it moves through living and nonliving materials through the carbon cycle.
• The amount of carbon on Earth cycles, gradually increasing as it moves up the food chain, and decreasing until the next phase of the cycle.
• Carbon flows through the food chain as animals eat, then decomposes and is permanently removed from the system when the food chain is complete.
• Carbon enters Earth's atmosphere when animals exhale, then moves into space where its amount steadily increases, and finally moves back into Earth's atmosphere to be used again.

Back

A finite amount of carbon exists on Earth, and it moves through living and nonliving materials through the carbon cycle.

Answer explanation

The correct statement accurately describes the carbon cycle, emphasizing that carbon is finite on Earth and continuously moves through living and nonliving materials, rather than being permanently removed or increasing indefinitely.

Front

How does photosynthesis follow the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The number of oxygen atoms in the reactants equals the total number of oxygen atoms in the products.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that in photosynthesis, the number of oxygen atoms in the reactants (water and carbon dioxide) equals the number of oxygen atoms produced (glucose and oxygen), demonstrating the conservation of mass.