Question

where does carbon dioxide come from for photosynthesis give 3 examples

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Carbon dioxide (CO2) used in photosynthesis primarily comes from several natural and anthropogenic sources. Here are three examples:

1. **Atmospheric CO2**: The most significant source of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis is the carbon dioxide present in the Earth's atmosphere. Plants absorb this CO2 through small openings in their leaves called stomata during the process of photosynthesis.

2. **Respiration of Living Organisms**: Animals, including humans, exhale carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration. This CO2 can then enter the atmosphere and be absorbed by plants. Additionally, the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.

3. **Combustion of Fossil Fuels**: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy (coal, oil, and natural gas) release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This increased CO2 concentration can enhance the availability of carbon for photosynthesis in plants.

These sources contribute to the carbon cycle, with plants playing a vital role in absorbing CO2 and converting it into organic matter through photosynthesis.