How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle? a. When plants...

How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle? a. When plants respire, they release $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ into the atmosphere b. When plants photosynthesize, they consume $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ from the atmosphere. c. When plants photosynthesize, they provide oxygen to heterotrophs. d. When plants emigrate, they transport carbon molecules between ecosystems. e. Both a and b are correct.

How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?
a. When plants respire, they release $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ into the atmosphere
b. When plants photosynthesize, they consume $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ from the atmosphere.
c. When plants photosynthesize, they provide oxygen to heterotrophs.
d. When plants emigrate, they transport carbon molecules between ecosystems.
e. Both a and b are correct.

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Respiration

Respiration is the metabolic process in which living organisms, including plants, break down organic molecules to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. In the context of the carbon cycle, plant respiration returns some of the carbon stored in sugars back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is a fundamental biogeochemical process that involves the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, organisms, soils, and bodies of water. This cycle regulates Earth’s climate by controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and it is critical to the functioning of ecosystems.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into organic molecules, primarily sugars, using sunlight as an energy source. This process not only removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also forms the basis of the food chain by providing energy to nearly all living organisms.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback