Exploring the Carbon Cycle in AP Environmental Science

The video tutorial by Mr. Smeeds covers the carbon cycle, focusing on how carbon moves through Earth's systems. It explains carbon sinks, sources, and reservoirs, and the processes that transfer carbon between them. The tutorial highlights the balance between photosynthesis and respiration, the impact of fossil fuel combustion, and the role of oceans in carbon exchange. It also discusses the long-term storage of carbon through sedimentation and the rapid release of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, contributing to climate change.

What is the primary focus of the carbon cycle?

• Movement of nitrogen

• Movement of carbon compounds

• Movement of oxygen

• Movement of water

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Which process is considered very quick in the carbon cycle?

• Formation of fossil fuels

• Sedimentation

• Burial

• Combustion of fossil fuels

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What is a carbon sink?

• A process that releases more carbon than it stores

• A method of carbon extraction

• A reservoir that stores more carbon than it releases

• A type of fossil fuel

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Which of the following is NOT a carbon source?

• Deforestation

• Photosynthesis

• Animal agriculture

• Fossil fuel combustion

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What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

• Releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

• Increases soil carbon

• Removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

• Produces methane

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Which organisms are primarily responsible for photosynthesis?

• Plants, algae, and phytoplankton

• Fungi

• Animals

• Bacteria

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What is a common misconception about cellular respiration?

• It is the same as breathing

• It only occurs in plants

• It produces glucose

• It does not involve oxygen

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How do photosynthesis and cellular respiration balance each other out?

• Both processes produce glucose

• Both processes occur only in animals

• Both processes release carbon dioxide

• Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide, and respiration releases it

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What is direct exchange in the context of the carbon cycle?

• Movement of carbon between plants and animals

• Movement of carbon between soil and atmosphere

• Movement of carbon between atmosphere and ocean

• Movement of carbon between land and ocean

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

What is the primary consequence of increased carbon dioxide levels in the ocean?

• Decreased sedimentation

• Formation of fossil fuels

• Increased photosynthesis

• Ocean acidification