Consider the following statements about the Carbon Cycle:1. Carbon fro...
All of the statements about the Carbon Cycle are correct.
Explanation:
The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is cycled through various stages in the ecosystem. The cycle includes both atmospheric and sedimentary components.
The first statement is correct as carbon from the atmosphere moves to green plants by the process of photosynthesis, and then to animals. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds. Animals then consume these organic compounds, incorporating carbon into their own bodies.
The second statement is also correct as carbon returns to the atmosphere through the process of respiration and decomposition of dead organic matter. During respiration, both plants and animals release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Dead organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms, which also release carbon dioxide.
The third statement is also correct as the carbon cycle is a relatively short-term cycle compared to other biogeochemical cycles such as the nitrogen cycle or the phosphorus cycle. The carbon cycle operates on a timescale of decades to centuries, whereas the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles can operate over thousands to millions of years.
Therefore, all the given statements about the Carbon Cycle are correct.
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Consider the following statements about the Carbon Cycle:1. Carbon fro...
Explanation:
The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which is important for regulating Earth's climate. Let's analyze each statement to determine their correctness.
Statement 1: Carbon from the atmosphere moves to green plants by the process of photosynthesis, and then to animals.
This statement is correct. Green plants, through the process of photosynthesis, take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds, primarily glucose. This carbon is then stored in the plant's tissues. Animals, in turn, consume these plants and obtain the stored carbon. Therefore, carbon moves from the atmosphere to green plants and then to animals.
Statement 2: By the process of respiration and decomposition of dead organic matter, it returns to the atmosphere.
This statement is also correct. After carbon is obtained by animals through their diet, it is used in cellular respiration to produce energy. During respiration, carbon is combined with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, which is released back into the atmosphere. Additionally, when plants and animals die, their organic matter decomposes, and through the process of decomposition, carbon is released as carbon dioxide or methane, both of which contribute to the atmospheric carbon pool. Therefore, carbon returns to the atmosphere through respiration and decomposition.
Statement 3: It is usually a short-term cycle.
This statement is incorrect. The carbon cycle is not a short-term cycle. It operates on various timescales, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term. While some carbon compounds can be rapidly cycled between the atmosphere, plants, and animals, there are also slower processes that store carbon for longer periods. For example, carbon can be stored in the form of fossil fuels for millions of years. Additionally, carbon can be absorbed by the oceans and stored for long periods in the form of dissolved inorganic carbon or as part of marine organisms. Therefore, the carbon cycle encompasses both short-term and long-term processes.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - All of the above.
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