▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution
(a)(i) Completed Table 8.1:
| from animals or plants to the atmosphere | respiration [cite: 928] |
| from the atmosphere to plants | photosynthesis [cite: 335, 928] |
| from (dead) animals / plants / organisms to fossil fuel | fossil fuel formation |
| from plants to animals | feeding [cite: 928] |
Explanation:
- Respiration: Living organisms break down nutrient molecules to release energy, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Photosynthesis: Plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw materials using light energy, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Fossil Fuel Formation: Fossil fuels are formed from the fossilised remains of dead organisms over long periods.
- Feeding: Carbon is transferred from producers to consumers when animals eat plants or other animals.
(a)(ii)
Decomposition
Explanation: Microorganisms (decomposers) break down dead or waste organic material, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration.
(b) Completed Sentences:
Combustion of fossil fuels increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
This causes an enhanced greenhouse effect and leads to climate change / global warming.
Another gas that has a similar effect on the atmosphere to carbon dioxide is methane.
Explanation:
- Combustion: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, contributing to air pollution and increasing atmospheric concentrations.
- Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: The accumulation of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change.
- Methane: Methane is explicitly listed alongside carbon dioxide as a pollutant that causes the enhanced greenhouse effect and climate change.