Understanding the Carbon Cycle

What form of carbon is most prevalent in the atmosphere?

• Carbon monoxide

• Hydrofluorocarbons

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

What process do plants use to take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

• Respiration

• Decay

• Combustion

• Photosynthesis

Which of the following is a major component of ocean sediments?

• Sodium chloride

• Silicon dioxide

• Calcite

• Iron oxide

What happens to carbon when fossil fuels are burned?

• It forms calcium carbonate

• It is converted to CO2

• It becomes methane

• It is stored as carbohydrates

What role do phytoplankton play in the carbon cycle?

• They convert carbon into methane

• They take carbon from the water to build their bodies

• They store carbon in the form of fossil fuels

• They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

How is carbon stored in the deep ocean?

• As methane hydrates

• In the form of carbohydrates

• As carbon dioxide gas

• In sediments and deep ocean currents

What is the result of weathering and run-off in the carbon cycle?

• Minerals are dissolved and carried to the sea

• Carbon is released into the atmosphere

• Carbon is stored in fossil fuels

• Carbon dioxide is converted to oxygen

What is the primary way carbon is released from soil?

• Through photosynthesis

• Through combustion

• Through respiration

• Through decay by decomposers

What is the significance of the biological pump in the ocean?

• It stores carbon in the form of fossil fuels

• It converts carbon into oxygen

• It releases carbon into the atmosphere

• It removes carbon from the ocean and atmosphere systems

What happens to carbon in the process of rock formation?

• It is released into the atmosphere

• It is stored in limestone and other rocks

• It is converted to carbon dioxide

• It becomes part of the soil