Carbon Cycle Quiz: What Do You Know?

Producers are usually green organisms but a green organism is not necessarily a producer.

A boat engine burning fuel is an example of combustion because combustion refers to the process of a substance combining with oxygen to produce heat and light. In this case, the fuel in the boat engine is reacting with oxygen to release energy in the form of heat, which powers the engine and allows the boat to move.

During photosynthesis plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and put oxygen into it.

The process described in the question, where bacteria break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide and water, is known as decomposition. Decomposition is a natural process that occurs when organic materials, such as dead plants and animals, are broken down by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. During this process, the organic matter is broken down into simpler compounds, including carbon dioxide and water, which are then returned to the earth. Combustion, transpiration, and nitrogen fixation are unrelated processes and do not involve the breakdown of organic matter as described in the question.

The correct answer is that matter moves between the environment and living things. This statement accurately describes the concept of cycles of matter, which involve the movement and transformation of elements and compounds between the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of ecosystems. Matter is constantly being exchanged and recycled through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. This movement of matter is essential for the functioning and sustainability of ecosystems.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. During photosynthesis, oxygen is released into the environment as a byproduct, making it the correct answer to the question. Combustion, respiration, and decomposition do not release oxygen into the environment.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose, which is the primary source of energy for plant growth and development. This glucose is then used to produce other essential compounds, such as starch and cellulose, which are necessary for plant structure and function. Therefore, photosynthesis is important because it enables plants to synthesize their own food, sustaining their growth and providing energy for other organisms in the food chain.

Combustion is the process of burning, which releases carbon into the atmosphere. During combustion, carbon-containing substances such as fossil fuels are burned, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. This process is a major contributor to the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, leading to climate change.

Most animals get the carbon they need through consumption. Consumption refers to the process of ingesting and digesting organic matter, such as plants or other animals, to obtain nutrients and energy. By consuming other organisms, animals obtain carbon compounds that can be used for various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of essential molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. This is in contrast to photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert sunlight into energy and produce carbon compounds. Cellular respiration and transpiration are not directly involved in obtaining carbon but are processes related to energy production and water loss, respectively.

The process of cellular respiration involves breaking down glucose molecules to release energy. This energy is produced in the presence of oxygen, which acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. Therefore, both glucose and oxygen are required for cellular respiration to occur.

Fossilization is the process that takes solid carbon over a long period of time under pressure to create a new substance. During fossilization, organic materials such as plants or animals are buried under layers of sediment and subjected to high pressure and heat over millions of years. This process gradually transforms the organic matter into a new substance called a fossil, which preserves the shape and structure of the original organism. Fossilization is an important process that allows scientists to study and learn about ancient life forms and ecosystems.

Respiration is the correct answer because it is the process by which organisms break down sugar molecules to release energy. During respiration, sugar is oxidized and converted into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the process. This energy is then used by cells for various metabolic activities. Combustion is the process of burning, which also releases energy but is not specifically related to the carbon cycle. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into sugar, which is the opposite of what is described in the question. Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a usable form by certain bacteria, and it is not directly related to the breakdown of sugar in the carbon cycle.