Q. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?

  1. Volcanic action
  2. Respiration
  3. Photosynthesis
  4. Decay of organic matter

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • 1 and 3 only
  • 2 only
  • 1, 2 and 4 only
  • 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

Notes:

  • The Process of photosynthesis takes up Carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Hence photosynthesis does not add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle.
  • Volcanic action leads to the release of Carbon dioxide.
  • Respiration is the movement of oxygen from the outside environment to the cells within tissues and the release of carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. 
  • The process of decomposition releases Carbon dioxide.
Carbon cycle
  • Carbon cycle shows the movement of carbon in elemental and combined states on earth. Diamond and graphite are the elemental forms of carbon and in a combined state, it is found as carbonates in minerals and as carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere.
  • Carbon cycle is the process where carbon compounds are interchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the earth.
  • Carbon Cycle Steps
    • Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis.
    • These plants are then consumed by animals and carbon gets bioaccumulated into their bodies.
    • These animals and plants eventually die, and upon decomposing, carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
    • Some of the carbon that is not released back into the atmosphere eventually become fossil fuels.
    • These fossil fuels are then used for man-made activities, which pump more carbon back into the atmosphere.
carbon cycle