Question

A student is creating a model of the carbon cycle on a poster for a project at school. The student has cellular respiration and decomposition as labeled processes, with both of them showing a release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the teacher's expectations for the project, the student must model an equal number of processes that sequester carbon out of the atmosphere as well. Which components should the student add to refine the model to include carbon dioxide sequestration? Select ALL that apply.
Responses
A the process of photosynthesis occurring in forest plantsthe process of photosynthesis occurring in forest plants
B the process of carbon dioxide dissolution into the ocean waterthe process of carbon dioxide dissolution into the ocean water
C The process of wildfires burning as trees and plants undergo combustionThe process of wildfires burning as trees and plants undergo combustion
D the process of anaerobic digestion of organic materials in rice fields or cow stomachsthe process of anaerobic digestion of organic materials in rice fields or cow stomachs
E the process of fossil fuel combustion as coal, oil, and natural gas is used for fuel in energy conversions

Answer 1

Correct answers: A and B.

- A (photosynthesis in forest plants) removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores carbon in plant biomass.
- B (dissolution of CO2 into ocean water) transfers atmospheric CO2 into the ocean (and into dissolved inorganic carbon).

C, D, and E are processes that release carbon to the atmosphere (wildfires and fossil fuel combustion directly emit CO2; anaerobic digestion in rice fields/cow stomachs produces methane/CO2), so they are not sequestration processes.