Carbon Cycle and Climate Change Concepts

Miss Peachy introduces the carbon cycle, explaining its components and processes like photosynthesis and respiration. She discusses carbon reservoirs, sinks, and the impact of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, on the carbon cycle and climate change. The lesson concludes with guidance for students on further study.

What is the primary role of carbon in the environment?

• To act as a waste product in respiration

• To provide energy for photosynthesis

• To serve as an essential nutrient cycling through the environment

• To regulate the water cycle

Which process involves plants taking in carbon dioxide to produce sugars?

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

• Respiration

• Combustion

Which of the following is a natural source of carbon dioxide?

• Burning of fossil fuels

• Vehicle emissions

• Respiration from plants and animals

• Factory emissions

What is a carbon sink?

• A place where carbon is produced

• A reservoir that stores carbon dioxide

• A process that releases carbon into the atmosphere

• A type of fossil fuel

How do human activities primarily increase atmospheric carbon dioxide?

• By burning fossil fuels

• By planting more trees

• By increasing photosynthesis

• By reducing oceanic carbon storage

What is the effect of ocean acidification on marine life?

• It weakens or reduces the size of shells in marine animals

• It has no effect on marine life

• It enhances shell formation in marine animals

• It increases the oxygen levels in the ocean

What is the chemical reaction called that releases carbon dioxide when fossil fuels are burned?

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Decomposition

• Combustion

What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

• They break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients

• They prevent the formation of fossil fuels

• They produce carbon dioxide through photosynthesis

• They store carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

What is the consequence of increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

• Decreased global temperatures

• Increased global temperatures

• Stabilized global temperatures

• No effect on global temperatures

What is one of the potential effects of increased global temperatures?

• Decreased ocean levels

• Increased animal habitats

• More frequent and severe hurricanes

• Stabilized polar ice caps