Use the scenario to answer the question.

Question

A student is examining scientific evidence to support the following claim.

“Life is possible because of the unique mixture of gases that cycle through the Earth’s spheres.”

Which evidence best supports the student’s claim?

(1 point)
Responses

a photograph capturing a nighttime meteor shower

a diagram illustrating how plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce food and oxygen gas

an illustration demonstrating how the depletion of the ozone layer is not blocking out the sun’s ultraviolet rays

a timeline detailing when an erupting volcano releases lava, ash, and gases

Answer 1

The best evidence that supports the student's claim that "Life is possible because of the unique mixture of gases that cycle through the Earth’s spheres" is:

a diagram illustrating how plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce food and oxygen gas.

This evidence directly relates to the cycling of gases (like carbon dioxide and oxygen) that are essential for life processes, particularly photosynthesis.

Answer 2

Which question can best be answered by studying a diagram of the carbon cycle?(1 point)
Responses

How does the process of transpiration cause plants to release water through their leaves?
How does the process of transpiration cause plants to release water through their leaves?

How is surface water, underground water, and moisture in the atmosphere recycled?
How is surface water, underground water, and moisture in the atmosphere recycled?

How are fossil fuels formed from the decay of dead plants and animals in the biosphere?
How are fossil fuels formed from the decay of dead plants and animals in the biosphere?

How are fossil fuels processed and used to power industries?

Answer 3

The question that can best be answered by studying a diagram of the carbon cycle is:

How is surface water, underground water, and moisture in the atmosphere recycled?

This question may not be the best fit, as it generally pertains to the water cycle rather than the carbon cycle specifically. However, the focus on carbon cycling—particularly how carbon moves through different spheres—helps illustrate the recycling of materials essential for ecosystems.

Upon reviewing the options again, a better choice should be:

How are fossil fuels formed from the decay of dead plants and animals in the biosphere?

This question relates to the carbon cycle in that it involves the processes of decomposition and carbon storage in the earth's lithosphere.

The most directly relevant question to the carbon cycle would be:

How do plants and animals contribute to the movement of carbon through the environment?

But since that option wasn't provided, the mention of fossil fuels is a relevant aspect of carbon cycling after considering their formation stemming from deceased organic matter.

Please choose accordingly based on the most relevant question encountered in your options!