How do fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle?(1 point)

Question

Responses..

Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere.

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.

Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.

This accurately reflects the role of fossil fuels in the carbon cycle, whereby the combustion of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas concentrations and influencing climate change.

Answer 2

How is the majority of carbon transferred from plants and animals to the soil? (1 point)
Responses

The decay of dead organisms releases carbon dioxide from their bodies into the soil.
The decay of dead organisms releases carbon dioxide from their bodies into the soil.

The decay of dead organisms releases some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil.
The decay of dead organisms releases some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil.

Carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve into the soil.
Carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve into the soil.

Carbon dioxide from plant and animal respiration dissolves into the soil.
Carbon dioxide from plant and animal respiration dissolves into the soil.

Answer 3

The correct response is:

The decay of dead organisms releases carbon dioxide from their bodies into the soil.

This process, known as decomposition, involves microorganisms breaking down dead organic matter, which results in the release of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), enriching the soil with carbon compounds.

Answer 4

Is all of Earth’s carbon dioxide supply constantly being used by organisms?(1 point)
Responses

No, some is stored in Earth’s only carbon sink, the atmosphere.
No, some is stored in Earth’s only carbon sink, the atmosphere.

No, some is stored in Earth’s carbon sinks, such as the oceans.
No, some is stored in Earth’s carbon sinks, such as the oceans.

Yes, and it is used up as soon as it is formed.
Yes, and it is used up as soon as it is formed.

Yes, and it briefly passes through the atmosphere as it cycles between organisms.

Answer 5

The correct response is:

No, some is stored in Earth’s carbon sinks, such as the oceans.

This acknowledges that carbon dioxide is not fully utilized by organisms and that a significant amount is stored in various carbon sinks, including the oceans, forests, and soils, contributing to the global carbon cycle.

Answer 6

Which of these is the largest living carbon sink?(1 point)
Responses

soil
soil

insects
insects

ocean
ocean

forests

Answer 7

The correct response is:

ocean

The ocean is the largest living carbon sink, as it absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in various forms, including dissolved carbon dioxide and organic matter from marine organisms.