Trivia Questions On Carbon Cycle: Quiz
What do you know about the carbon cycle? Do you think you can pass this quiz? The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical process where carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and the earth's atmosphere. Carbon is the main component of biological compounds and a significant element of many materials, such as limestone. This cycle plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by controlling carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. It also supports life by cycling essential nutrients. If you think you know about the carbon cycle, take the quiz and see. Test your knowledge and Read morelearn more about this vital process.
Carbon Cycle Questions and Answers
- 1.
How does the human body return carbon to the atmosphere in the carbon cycle? click all that apply
- A.
Cellular respiration
- B.
Waste products
- C.
Photosynthesis
- D.
Formation of glucose
Correct Answer
A. Cellular respirationExplanation
The human body returns carbon to the atmosphere through cellular respiration. During this process, glucose is broken down in the cells to produce energy, and carbon dioxide is released as a waste product. This carbon dioxide is then exhaled into the atmosphere, completing the carbon cycle.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Humans burn fossil fuels and wood, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is then absorbed by trees for photosynthesis. These processes are contributory to which chemical cycle?
Correct Answer
carbon cycleExplanation
The explanation for the given answer is that the carbon dioxide released by humans burning fossil fuels and wood is absorbed by trees during photosynthesis. This process is part of the carbon cycle, which involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, plants, animals, and the Earth's surface.Rate this question:
- 3.
In the carbon cycle, animals can release carbon back into the cycle through __________ or through __________.
- A.
Respiration
- B.
Decomposition
- C.
Photosynthesis
- D.
Burning
Correct Answer(s)
A. Respiration
B. DecompositionExplanation
Animals release carbon back into the carbon cycle through respiration, which is the process of exhaling carbon dioxide. They also contribute to the cycle through decomposition, where their organic matter breaks down and releases carbon into the environment.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When a forest fire happens in the forest where does all the carbon go?
- A.
Into the atmosphere
- B.
Into the soil
- C.
It is destroyed
- D.
The fire eats it for fuel
Correct Answer
A. Into the atmosphereExplanation
A forest fire will destroy the animals and plants of an ecosystem, but it does not deplete that ecosystem of minerals. Carbon, specifically, will rise into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2). Since this is a gas, it will rise into the atmosphere. Any other minerals will return to the ground as ash.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Where does all the carbon in organisms originate from?
Correct Answer
atmosphereExplanation
The carbon in organisms primarily originates from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis in plants, carbon dioxide is converted into organic carbon compounds, which are then consumed by animals and other organisms as food. This carbon is continually cycled through the environment via processes such as respiration, decomposition, and combustion.Rate this question:
- 6.
What kind of organism sequesters (uses) the most carbon from the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
plantsExplanation
Plants are the organisms that sequester the most carbon from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into organic compounds, such as sugars and starches, while releasing oxygen. This carbon is then stored in the plant's tissues, including leaves, stems, and roots. As plants grow, they continue to take in carbon dioxide and store it, making them highly effective at removing carbon from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change.Rate this question:
- 7.
Which of the following are examples of human impact on the carbon cycle? (Select all that apply.)
- A.
The increased production of methane gases from cattle farms
- B.
The burning of fossil fuels
- C.
The cutting down of trees for lumber
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer(s)
A. The increased production of methane gases from cattle farms
B. The burning of fossil fuels
C. The cutting down of trees for lumberExplanation
There are several ways that humans impact the carbon cycle. One of these is the burning of fossil fuels (often associated with driving cars), which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is important to remember that other human activities also impact the carbon cycle. The cutting down of trees reduces the amount of CO2 that can be taken out of the atmosphere. One human impact that is not frequently referenced is the amount of methane gas (CH4) released into the atmosphere by cattle farms, which is much harder to take out of the air than CO2.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How do organisms move carbon through the carbon cycle? (Select all that apply.)
- A.
Decomposition
- B.
Respiration
- C.
Sedimentation
- D.
Photosynthesis
- E.
Lighting
Correct Answer(s)
A. Decomposition
B. Respiration
C. Sedimentation
D. PhotosynthesisExplanation
While not all organisms are capable of all three means of moving carbon to different stores, there are organisms that do respire, photosynthesize and upon death some will sink into the ocean's bottom and become sediment. All four are methods by which carbon is moved through the biosphere into other stores. Respiration and decomposition release carbon containing compounds into the atmosphere, and decomposition also releases carbon into the soil and ocean. Sedimentation allows carbon trapped in the bodies of phytoplankton and other micro marine photoautotrophs to be eventually moved by geological forces into the lithosphere of the Earth. Photosynthesis is in generally a method by which solar light energy is converted to chemical energy stored in the form of glucose a six carbon sugar using carbon dioxide and water as substrates.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How important is carbon?
- A.
Without it all living things die
- B.
Without it all living things live
- C.
Couldn't live without it
- D.
It is only important to plants
Correct Answer(s)
A. Without it all living things die
C. Couldn't live without itExplanation
The correct answer is "without it all living things die, couldn't live without it". This answer emphasizes the importance of carbon for all living things. Carbon is a fundamental element found in all organic compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are essential for life. Without carbon, living organisms would not be able to carry out vital processes such as respiration, growth, and reproduction. Thus, carbon is crucial for the survival and functioning of all living organisms.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What form does carbon go back into the atmosphere?
Correct Answer(s)
carbon dioxideExplanation
When carbon is released into the atmosphere, it combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. This process occurs through various natural and human activities such as respiration, combustion of fossil fuels, and deforestation. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Therefore, carbon goes back into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Jul 10, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Expert Reviewed by
Stephen Reinbold -
Feb 09, 2020Quiz Created by
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