Quiz 8

Question 0

Carbon Cycle Objectives:

Answer 0

1. Describe natural and anthropogenic mechanisms that move carbon between the “spheres” (bio-, atmo-, hydro-, geo-)
2. Predict some effects of increasing “greenhouse” gases in the atmosphere
3. Ask and answer a question relating to global climate change based on legit data resources.

Question 1

The Carbon Cycle - Amazon importance and characteristics

Answer 1

Amazon considered the “lungs of the planet”- more than 20% of the oxygen.

• Amazon basin total biomass is around 86 billion metric tons of carbon
• 7.9 billion metric tons (gigatons) of carbon dioxide were emitted to the atmosphere in 2005
• It was estimated that the Amazon locks up at least 11 years of recent carbon dioxide emissions.
• Clearing the amazon would have disproportionate impact due to its role in global weather regulation and other ecosystem services.

Question 2

Carbon Cycle: Introduction-

What is Biochemical Cycle:

Answer 2

Biogeochemical Cycle is the cycle by which Carbon is Exchanged between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of Earth.

Question 3

What is the Biochemical cycle :

Answer 3

Cycle of carbon in Earth’s ecosystems in which carbon dioxide is fixed by photosynthetic organisms to form organic nutrients and is ultimately Restored to the Inorganic state through different processes such as respiration, protoplasmic decay, or combustion.

Question 4

Most important feature of the carbon cycle;

Answer 4

Circulation of carbon from the abiotic environment into living things (biotic) and back into the abiotic environment.
Ex, Photosynthesis, Cellular respiration

Question 5

Carbon Cycle: Photosynthesis:

Answer 5

Abiotic -> Biotic environment

Question 6

Carbon Cycle: Cellular Respiration:

Answer 6

Biotic -> Abiotic environment

Question 7

How is carbon released into the atmosphere:

- Cellular respiration:

Answer 7

Performed by plants and animals: This is an exothermic reaction and it involves the breaking down of glucose ( or other molecules ) into CO2 and H20

Question 8

Decay

Answer 8

Decay of animal and plant matter: Fungi and bacteria break down the carbon compounds in dead animals and plants and convert the carbon to CO2 if oxygen is present , or methane if not.

Question 9

Burning fossil fuels:

Answer 9

Burning fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum products, and natural gas releases carbon that has been stored in the geosphere for millions of years. Burning agrofuels also releases CO2

Question 10

Oceans

Answer 10

The Surface of the Oceans where the water becomes warmer, dissolved carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere.

Question 11

Photosynthesis:

Answer 11

Requires CO2 and Produces O2
- Removes carbon from the abiotic environment and restores carbon to the biotic environment : ex; plants, cyanobacteria, algae.