IB BIology 4.3 Carbon Cycling

What effect does photosynthesis have on atmospheric carbon dioxide?

• Photosynthesis decreases atmospheric CO2

• Photosynthesis increases atmospheric CO2

• Photosynthesis does not do anything to CO2 levels.

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis absorbs CO2 as one of its main reactants, therefore decreasing CO2 levels.

Which of the following areas are considered areas of carbon storage?

• The atmosphere

• The ocean

• Biomass

• Fossil Fuels

Answer explanation

All of these areas store carbon!

Carbon dioxide creates more H+ ions in the ocean, making the pH of the ocean become more...

• Neutral

• Basic

• Acidic

Which of the following can RELEASE carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

• Non-photosynthetic cells in plants

• Photosynthetic cells in plants

• Animal cells

• Saprotrophs

Answer explanation

Photosynthetic cells would take in carbon dioxide, not release it. In plants, only non-photosynthetic cells release carbon dioxide.

The process by which methane gas is created is called...

• Methanoacetate

• Methanogenesis

• Methanosynthesis

• Methanocreation

In the atmosphere, methane can be oxidized into what two molecules?

• Carbonic acid

• Methanosis

• Carbon Dioxide

• Water

_______________________ cannot live in anaerobic, wet soils, so dead organic matter isn't fully decomposed. This material is _________.

• Peat; basic

• Peat; neutral

• Peat; acidic

• Peat; extremely basic