These are processes found in the carbon cycle.
• combustion
• decomposition
• feeding
• photosynthesis
• respiration
How many of these processes release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: C
Processes that release CO2 into the atmosphere:
- Combustion: Burning fossil fuels releases CO2.
- Decomposition: Breakdown of organic matter by decomposers produces CO2.
- Respiration: Organisms release CO2 as a byproduct of energy production.
Photosynthesis absorbs CO2, and feeding transfers carbon but does not directly release CO2. Thus, 3 processes (C) release carbon dioxide.
Some of the processes involved in the carbon cycle are listed.
- combustion
- decomposition
- photosynthesis
- respiration
During the carbon cycle, which processes release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
A) 1, 2 and 3
B) 1, 2 and 4
C) 1 and 4 only
D) 2 and 3 only
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Ans: B
In the carbon cycle, the following processes release carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) into the atmosphere:
- 1. Combustion: Burning fossil fuels or organic matter releases \(\text{CO}_2\).
- 2. Decomposition: Breakdown of organic matter by decomposers releases \(\text{CO}_2\).
- 4. Respiration: Living organisms release \(\text{CO}_2\) as a byproduct of energy production.
Photosynthesis (3) absorbs \(\text{CO}_2\) and does not release it. Thus, the correct combination is B (1, 2, and 4).