Understanding the Carbon Cycle

What is the primary source of energy for the carbon cycle?

• Geothermal energy

• Sunlight

• Volcanic activity

• Radioactive decay

What happens to a portion of the sunlight that reaches Earth?

• It is absorbed by the ozone layer.

• It is absorbed by land and oceans.

• It is converted into chemical energy.

• It is used in nuclear fusion.

Which gas in the atmosphere plays a significant role in absorbing sunlight?

• Argon (Ar)

What is the process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere called?

• Respiration

• Transpiration

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

What do plants produce during photosynthesis using carbon dioxide and water?

• Organic matter

• Minerals

• Fossil fuels

• Carbon monoxide

Where do plants store the carbon they absorb?

• Roots

• Leaves

• Stems

• All of the above

Why are forests considered to be significant carbon sinks?

• They release large amounts of oxygen.

• They contain a high density of vegetation, storing large amounts of carbon.

• They prevent soil erosion.

• They provide habitats for a variety of species.

What process releases carbon back into the atmosphere when plants die?

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Respiration

• Evaporation

What is the primary form in which carbon is released back into the atmosphere during decomposition?

• Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Organic matter

Besides the atmosphere, what other major reservoir stores vast amounts of carbon?

• Ice caps

• Oceans

• Soil

• Rock formations