Photosynthesis fixes carbon as sugar in the biosphere, and cellular respiration burns sugar and releases carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. The ecosystem stores some carbon.

Question

 
How much carbon moves through an acre of forest in one year? Move the numbers to the correct containers to illustrate the movement of carbon in the forest ecosystem shown.
Response area with 3 blank spaces

Blank space 1 empty
Blank space 2 empty
Blank space 3 empty
Answer options with 3 options.

Answer 1

To illustrate the movement of carbon in a forest ecosystem, you can use the following estimates for the carbon cycling process:

1. Amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis on an acre of forest in one year: Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 kg of carbon annually.

2. Amount of carbon released by cellular respiration: Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 kg of carbon annually.

3. Amount of carbon stored in the ecosystem (biomass, soil, etc.): Typically around 500 to 1,000 kg of carbon annually depending on various factors such as forest type and health.

You can fill in the blank spaces as follows:

• Blank space 1: Amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis (e.g., 2,500 kg)
• Blank space 2: Amount of carbon released by cellular respiration (e.g., 2,000 kg)
• Blank space 3: Amount of carbon stored in the ecosystem (e.g., 750 kg)

Feel free to adjust the numbers based on specific parameters or additional data if needed.