Question

Why does Earth have a lower amount of carbon in the atmosphere than planets such as Venus and Mars? (1 point)
Most of Earth's carbon can be found
• in the proteins and lipids of organisms
Carbon is released into the air during plant decomposition
The carbon escapes Earth's
• atmosphere faster than it is being absorbed
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis

Answer 1

Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis moves CO2 out of the air into biomass and, over long times, into oceans and rock (carbonate) sinks. Venus and Mars lack widespread life and active carbon-silicate cycles, so more of their carbon remains in the atmosphere.