Carbon Cycle During the Devonian Period

The model below shows interactions between spheres of the Earth during the Devonian period. Which statement correctly describes the role of one process involved in the cycling of carbon between two of Earth’s systems illustrated in the model?

• During combustion, Archaeopteris burns, cycling carbon from the geosphere to the biosphere as carbon dioxide is absorbed.

• During respiration, Archaeopteris cycles carbon from the atmosphere to the biosphere as carbon dioxide is absorbed.

• During decomposition, Archaeopteris decays, cycling carbon from the biosphere to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide is released.

• During photosynthesis, Archaeopteris cycles carbon from the biosphere to the hydrosphere as carbon dioxide is released.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which evidence based claim supports the presence of an environmental condition during the early Devonian period that contributed to the rapid spread and increase of plants on land?

• High levels of CO₂ provided the carbon necessary to support an increase in the number of plants.

• Low levels of O₂ during the early Devonian promoted the growth of larger plants.

• High levels of O₂ provided the energy needed to support an increase in the number of plants.

• Low levels of CO₂ during the early Devonian promoted the increase in the number of plants.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Identify numerical evidence from the graphs that supports an argument that oxygen levels affected animal evolution during the Devonian period as a part of a feedback between the atmosphere and biosphere.

• Oxygen levels increased from 10% to 20% during the Devonian, coinciding with a rise in animal diversity.

• Oxygen levels remained constant at 10% during the Devonian, with no change in animal diversity.

• Oxygen levels decreased from 20% to 10% during the Devonian, while animal diversity increased.

• Oxygen levels fluctuated randomly during the Devonian, with no correlation to animal diversity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Evaluate the evidence provided to determine the merit of the claim that temperature changes alone directly caused the Late Devonian extinction.

• The evidence strongly supports the claim.

• The evidence partially supports the claim.

• The evidence does not support the claim.

• The evidence is inconclusive.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Describe a constraint that would need to be considered to minimize the effect on ecosystems and biodiversity when designing a system to geologically sequester carbon.

• Selecting sites away from sensitive habitats

• Maximizing carbon storage capacity regardless of location

• Ignoring local species diversity

• Prioritizing cost over environmental impact

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which process is primarily responsible for the transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to the biosphere during the Devonian period?

• Photosynthesis by land plants

• Combustion of organic matter

• Respiration by marine organisms

• Volcanic eruptions

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

What evidence supports the hypothesis that increased plant life during the Devonian period contributed to a decrease in atmospheric CO₂ levels?

• Stable oxygen levels throughout the period

• Increased volcanic activity during the period

• Geological data indicating higher levels of carbon sequestration

• Fossil records showing a decline in plant diversity

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

How did the development of root systems in Devonian plants affect soil formation?

• Roots contributed to soil formation by breaking down rocks and stabilizing sediments.

• Roots prevented soil formation by compacting the ground.

• Roots increased soil erosion, hindering soil formation.

• Roots had no impact on soil formation during the Devonian period.

Which factor most likely contributed to the diversification of fish species during the Devonian period?

• Decrease in plant life, leading to more available space in aquatic environments

• Increased competition for resources among marine species

• Development of new aquatic habitats due to rising sea levels

• Stable oxygen levels in the atmosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Put the correct process that is happening over what represents that process in the carbon cycle.

a

b

c

d

e

f

terrestrial life breathe out (cell resp)

Humans use fossil fuels to make energy

photosynthesis in plants

carbon is compressed into fossil fuels

fossil fuels are burned

dead plants and animals decompose

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS1-5

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

NGSS.HS-LS2-5