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One of the key concerns about global climate change is excess amounts of carbon being released into the atmosphere. There are, however, some ways in which carbon can be sequestered from the atmosphere. Which of the following is a natural process that promotes carbon sequestration? a. burning fossil fuels b. methane from cattle c. photosynthesis by plants d. volcanic eruption

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. photosynthesis by plants

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Question

Identify the primary concern mentioned: excess carbon in the atmosphere. The task is to find a natural process that helps sequester or remove this excess carbon.
02

- Identify Key Terms

Understand the meaning of 'carbon sequestration'. It refers to the process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in solid or liquid form.
03

- Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each provided option to determine if it is a natural process and if it promotes carbon sequestration:
04

- Option Analysis

a. Burning fossil fuels: This releases carbon into the atmosphere, not sequester it. Therefore, it's not correct.b. Methane from cattle: Methane is also a greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere, not a sequestration process. Incorrect choice.c. Photosynthesis by plants: Plants absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, removing it from the atmosphere and storing it. This is a natural carbon sequestration process. Correct choice.d. Volcanic eruption: This emits various gases including carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Not a sequestration process. Incorrect choice.
05

- Conclusion

Through the analysis, photosynthesis by plants is identified as the natural process that promotes carbon sequestration.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy. They use light, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. In this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • Plants take in carbon dioxide through tiny openings called stomata.
  • The absorbed carbon dioxide is used to create glucose, which plants need for energy and growth.
  • Oxygen is released as a byproduct during photosynthesis.
This is a key process in carbon sequestration because it helps remove carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. Photosynthesis not only supports plant growth but also aids in regulating atmospheric carbon levels.
Global Climate Change
Global climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. While climate change is a natural process, human activities have accelerated it in recent decades.
  • Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
  • Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to higher levels in the atmosphere.
  • Increased levels of greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming.
The effects of global climate change include more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in wildlife habitats. Understanding and mitigating climate change is crucial for the health of our planet.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. They let sunlight in but prevent some of the heat from leaving the atmosphere.
  • Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), methane (CHâ‚„), nitrous oxide (Nâ‚‚O), and fluorinated gases.
  • Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and agriculture increase the concentration of these gases.
  • Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas produced by human activities, mainly through burning fossil fuels.
These gases are central to the greenhouse effect, which keeps our planet warm enough to support life. However, an excess of these gases leads to enhanced global warming and climate change.
Carbon Dioxide Absorption
Carbon dioxide absorption refers to the process by which carbon dioxide is taken up by plants, oceans, and soil. This helps lower the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  • Photosynthesis is the primary way plants absorb carbon dioxide, converting it into organic matter.
  • Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, where it dissolves in the water and can be used by marine organisms.
  • Soils can also store carbon through the decomposition of organic matter and microbial activity.
Effective carbon dioxide absorption plays a critical role in mitigating global climate change by reducing the overall concentration of this key greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Studies on stickleback fish revealed that the presence of two species of stickleback reduced the amount of algal blooms relative to the presence of one species of stickleback in a microcosm experiment. How does this occur? a. This occurred as the presence of two species caused an increase in dissolved organic carbon molecule size, which blocked the penetration of light in water and prevented algal photosynthesis. b. This occurred because two stickleback species consumed all the nutrients which prevented algae from being able to grow. c. This occurred because dissolved organic carbon molecule size increased in the presence of one fish species which increased the amount of algal blooms. d. This occurred as algae are consumed in more amounts in the presence of two stickleback species.

Why are mesocosm and microcosm experiments not considered to represent the true nature of ecosystems? a. The ecosystem is either recreated or partitioned in both the experiments, which may alter the dynamics of the ecosystem the experiments are aiming to analyze. b. In both the experiments, dynamics of the ecosystem may get altered due to differences in species numbers and diversity although there are no alterations in the environment. c. In both the experiments, the ecosystem is recreated which may alter the dynamics of the ecosystem the experiments are aiming to analyze. d. Altering a natural ecosystem through partitioning, which occurs in both the experiments may change its dynamics due to differences in species numbers and diversity.

What term is given for freshwater that flows from rain or melting ice in the hydrologic cycle? a. residence time b. surface runoff c. evaporation d. sublimation

What type of pyramid is considered the most representative of ecosystem structure? a. biomass b. energy c. number of organisms d. number of species

Although producers are essential for energy to flow into an ecosystem, consumers also have important roles. What might happen in an aquatic system with excess consumers relative to producers? a. Oxygen depletion would result in dieoff. b. There would be an excess of the basal energy source. c. Consumers would deplete the abundance of producers. d. There would be more undigestable animal parts.

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