Organic Carbon Cycle

Question 1

Photosynthesis

Answer 1

Co2 into sugars and oxygen
removes atmospheric carbon dioxide

Question 2

Cellular Respiration

Answer 2

the conversion of sugars (fixed carbon) to biological energy

CO2 released as byproduct

Question 3

decomposition

Answer 3

breakdown of complex organic molecules into simpler molecules by other organisms

carbon deposited as humus

Question 4

Fossil fuels

Answer 4

reservoirs of concentrated carbon formed geological past

when remains did not fully decompose

built up –> increase weight moves OG matter deeper into crust

increased compression and heat –> removes trapped water and gases

remains almost only carbon

Question 5

Combustion

Answer 5

reaction that releases energy
carbon reacts with oxygen
releases CO2

fires release CO2 – naturally

Question 6

Biological pump

Answer 6

Cycle of photosynthesis, cellular respiration,
decomposition, and fossil fuel formation that takes place in marine habitats

shell-forming marine life actively builds calcium carbonate during shell formation, die and build up over time

Question 7

Seasonal Fluctuations

Answer 7

Plant life grows and photosynthesizes in spring, summer

plant growth slows down and decomposes in fall, winter

Question 8

Increasing Ocean Acidification

Answer 8

Atmospheric concentrations put more CO2 in water, ultimately dissolves and gets acidy

less reservoir of dissolved CO3 for formation of calicum carbonate

dissolves shells

Question 9

The greening hypothesis

Answer 9

in controlled greenhouses, increasing CO2 (CO2 fertilization) would seem to enhance plant growth, real world not true

FACE showed other climatic stressors modify this relationship, increased CO2 does not help plants