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Chapter 3: Problem 4

In the carbon cycle, fossil fuels are produced from A. factory emissions B. photosynthesis C. animal respiration D. the decay of organisms that were once living

Short Answer

Expert verified
D. the decay of organisms that were once living

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Process of Fossil Fuel Formation

Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are formed from the remains of ancient organisms. These organisms are typically plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
02

Analyze Each Option

Let's evaluate each option given:A. Factory emissions - these are a source of pollution, not fossil fuel formation.B. Photosynthesis - this process produces oxygen and glucose, not fossil fuels.C. Animal respiration - this releases carbon dioxide, not fossil fuels.D. Decay of organisms that were once living - this is the correct process where dead plants and animals decay over millions of years to produce fossil fuels.
03

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, option D is correct because fossil fuels are formed from the decay of ancient organisms.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are important energy sources that we use in our daily lives. These include coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels were formed over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals. When these organisms died, they were buried by layers of sediment. Over time, heat and pressure transformed these remains into the fossil fuels we extract today.

The formation of fossil fuels involves a long and complex process. Here is a simple breakdown:
  • Dead plants and animals get buried by sediment.
  • Heat and pressure from the earth's layers increase over time.
  • The organic material changes into fossil fuels.
Using these fossil fuels releases energy, but also carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Therefore, understanding their origin helps us be more mindful about their usage.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a vital process for life on Earth. It is how green plants and some other organisms make their own food using sunlight. This process also produces oxygen, which is essential for most living beings.

During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. They convert these ingredients into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen, using the energy from sunlight. Here’s a quick overview:
  • Plants absorb sunlight through chlorophyll in their leaves.
  • They take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from their roots.
  • Using sunlight, they convert these into glucose and oxygen.
Photosynthesis plays a critical role in the carbon cycle as it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process helps to maintain a balanced level of carbon dioxide and oxygen on Earth.
Decay of organisms
The decay of organisms is a natural part of the carbon cycle. It helps to recycle essential nutrients back into the ecosystem. When plants and animals die, their bodies break down over time, thanks to decomposers like bacteria and fungi. Here’s how this process works:
  • Organisms die and their bodies start to decompose.
  • Decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) break down organic matter.
  • Carbon and other nutrients are released back into the soil and atmosphere.
This decay process is crucial for the formation of fossil fuels as well. Over millions of years, the decaying remains of plants and animals can eventually become fossil fuels through heat and pressure. In addition, decomposition helps maintain soil health and fertility, making it a key component in sustaining plant growth.

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