To determine which statement is true based on the information in the graph, we need to understand the relationship between carbon entering and exiting the atmosphere:
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If the amounts of carbon entering the atmosphere (from sources like fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, etc.) are equal to the amounts being absorbed by the environment (through processes like photosynthesis, ocean absorption, etc.), the ecosystem can be considered balanced.
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If more carbon is entering the atmosphere than being absorbed, then the ecosystem is not balanced, leading to increasing levels of carbon in the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.
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Conversely, if more carbon is exiting the atmosphere than is entering, that may suggest a temporary imbalance, as it can lead to a decrease in atmospheric carbon levels.
Given these interpretations, you would select the correct statement based on the graph's data.
Without specific data from the graph, you would choose:
- "The ecosystem is balanced because equal amounts of carbon is entering and exiting the environment/atmosphere" if the values are equal.
- "The ecosystem is not balanced because more carbon is entering the atmosphere than being absorbed by the environment" if more carbon is entering.
- "The ecosystem is not balanced because more carbon is leaving the atmosphere than being absorbed by the atmosphere" if the opposite is true.
Please check which scenario applies to your graph to choose the correct answer.
1 answer