Question

Why does Earth have a lower amount of carbon in the atmosphere than planets such as Venus and Mars?(1 point)
Responses

Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis

Most of Earth’s carbon can be found in the proteins and lipids of organisms
Most of Earth’s carbon can be found in the proteins and lipids of organisms

Carbon is released into the air during plant decomposition
Carbon is released into the air during plant decomposition

The carbon escapes Earth’s atmosphere faster than it is being absorbed
The carbon escapes Earth’s atmosphere faster than it is being absorbed

Answer 1

Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis removes CO2 and stores carbon in plant biomass (and, over long times, in soils, fossils and carbonate rocks), reducing atmospheric carbon compared with planets without abundant life.