Question

The carbon cycle is nature's way of reusing carbon atoms, which travel from the atmosphere into organisms in the Earth and then back into the atmosphere over and over again. Most carbon is stored in rocks and sediments, while the rest is stored in the ocean, atmosphere, and living organisms. Evaluate the carbon cycle model. Predict the changes that would occur within the carbon cycle as a result of deforestation. Choose THREE that apply.
Responses
A There would be less carbon in the soil due to the loss of trees.There would be less carbon in the soil due to the loss of trees.
B There would be an increase in atmospheric carbon due to less plant respiration.There would be an increase in atmospheric carbon due to less plant respiration.
C There would be an increase in atmospheric carbon due to decreasing photosynthesis.There would be an increase in atmospheric carbon due to decreasing photosynthesis.
D There would be an increase in oceanic carbon due to increasing atmospheric levels.There would be an increase in oceanic carbon due to increasing atmospheric levels.
E There would be an increase in atmospheric carbon due to increased emissions from burning of trees.

Answer 1

Answers: A, C, E.

- A (true): Trees add organic matter (leaf litter, roots) to soils; removing them reduces soil carbon over time.
- C (true): Fewer trees = less photosynthesis (less CO2 uptake), so more carbon remains in the atmosphere.
- E (true): If trees are burned during deforestation, that releases stored carbon as CO2, raising atmospheric carbon.

B is incorrect (less plant respiration would lower, not raise, CO2 emissions). D describes a secondary effect (oceans will absorb some of the excess atmospheric CO2), but the question asks for the most direct changes from deforestation; the primary expected answers are A, C, and E.