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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of glucose produced during photosynthesis?

  • It acts solely as a structural component in plants.
  • It serves as a byproduct of cellular respiration.
  • It is the main fuel for metabolic processes. (correct)
  • It functions exclusively in the transport of nutrients.

Which element was present in the atmosphere before photosynthesis evolved?

  • Carbon Dioxide (correct)
  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen
  • Hydrogen

What is the significance of carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis?

  • It is chemically reduced to form sugars. (correct)
  • It only serves as a waste product.
  • It acts as a promoter of atmospheric temperature.
  • It maintains atmospheric pressure.

What percentage of atmospheric gases is composed of carbon dioxide?

<p>25% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the residence time of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere according to the data provided?

<p>75 years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does respiration play in the global carbon cycle?

<p>It oxidizes glucose, releasing carbon dioxide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is not directly involved in the biosynthesis of complex organic compounds?

<p>Oxidation of carbonates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of photosynthesis in relation to respiration?

<p>Photosynthesis captures energy, which is then released during respiration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about organic molecules like carbohydrates is true?

<p>They consist of sugars and starches formed during photosynthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What essential atmospheric component do animals need for respiration?

<p>Oxygen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about microbes and respiration is accurate?

<p>All decomposers are classified as microbes that perform respiration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental impact of fossil fuel combustion?

<p>It releases energy and produces CO2. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources predominantly uses diesel fuel?

<p>Forklifts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant byproduct produced during methane production in a cow's rumen?

<p>Volatile fatty acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources has NOT been a major contributor to global CO2 emissions since 1880?

<p>Wind energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT considered a renewable source of energy?

<p>Natural gas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which situation were CO2 emissions observed to drop most significantly?

<p>Due to the COVID-19 crisis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of vehicle commonly uses kerosene jet fuel?

<p>Commercial Aircraft (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following categories contributes to methane emissions?

<p>Natural gas-based sources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about mobile combustion sources is correct?

<p>Nonroad vehicles often rely on diesel fuel. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the trend in global energy-related CO2 emissions from 1900 to 2020?

<p>An overall increasing trend over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor is responsible for the significant increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations since the Industrial Revolution?

<p>Increased anthropogenic emissions from fossil fuels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario represents the highest projected emissions of CO2 concentrations in the future according to IPCC AR6?

<p>SSP5-8.5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of global fossil fuel and industry emissions is attributed to fossil-fuelled power plants?

<p>26% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the atmospheric CO2 concentration change from the Industrial Revolution to the last measured level?

<p>From 280 ppm to 410 ppm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sector contributing directly to global fossil fuel and industry emissions?

<p>Solar energy generation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the seasonal variation graph of CO2 concentration specifically illustrate?

<p>Monthly variations in CO2 from January to October (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical time frame does the atmospheric CO2 concentration graph cover from 60 million years ago to?

<p>2100 CE (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT impact the global carbon cycle according to recent changes?

<p>Natural carbon emissions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent an anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide?

<p>Volcanic activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the CO2 concentration trend observed at Mauna Loa from 1960 to 2010?

<p>Clear upward trend with seasonal variations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process through which solar energy is stored in organic compounds?

<p>Photosynthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes primarily contributes to the short-term cycling of carbon in the atmosphere?

<p>Photosynthesis followed by cellular respiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of burning fossil fuels in relation to atmospheric chemistry?

<p>Increase in atmospheric CO2 levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the slow carbon cycle?

<p>Involves long-term geological processes related to rocks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does photosynthesis play within the broader context of the carbon cycle?

<p>It generates organic compounds used by organisms for energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is photosynthesis?

The process of turning sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen using chlorophyll.

What is respiration?

The process of converting glucose into energy, carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the form of ATP.

What is residence time?

The amount of time a substance remains in a particular reservoir.

What is the carbon cycle?

The movement of carbon between different reservoirs on Earth, such as the atmosphere, ocean, and land.

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What is the fast carbon cycle?

The fast carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through living organisms, the atmosphere, and the oceans.

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Biomass Pyramid

A diagram representing the trophic levels in an ecosystem, showing the amount of biomass at each level. Typically, the biomass decreases with each successive level, forming a pyramid shape.

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Cellular Respiration

The process of converting glucose into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. This releases energy for the organism's life processes.

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Global Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon atoms between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. This cycle is essential for life on Earth.

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Silicate Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks and minerals by natural forces, releasing minerals into the environment, including calcium and silica.

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Carbonate-Silicate Cycle

A geological cycle that involves the transfer of carbon between the Earth's crust, mantle, and atmosphere. This cycle influences climate change.

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Rock Cycle

The process of rocks being transformed through various cycles, involving erosion, weathering, deposition, and heat and pressure. This cycle is important for carbon storage and release.

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Atmospheric CO2 Increase

The upward trend in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere observed between 1960 and 2022. This trend highlights the impact of human activities on Earth's atmosphere.

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Seasonal Variation in CO2

The natural fluctuations in CO2 concentrations within a year, with higher levels during the colder months and lower levels during warmer months. This is primarily due to the balance between plant growth and decomposition.

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Fossil Fuel Combustion

The process of releasing CO2 into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. A major contributor to climate change.

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Anthropogenic Carbon Cycle Changes

The impact of human activities on the global carbon cycle, including the increased release of CO2 from fossil fuel burning and deforestation.

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Fossil Fuel & Industry Emissions

A category of emissions that includes those from power plants, transportation, industrial processes, and residential energy use.

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Top CO2 Emission Sectors

The largest contributors to global fossil fuel and industry emissions, responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas releases.

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Atmospheric CO2 Concentration

The measurement of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, typically expressed in parts per million (ppm). Used to track changes and trends in atmospheric CO2 levels.

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ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)

The focus on environmental, social, and governance factors in business decisions. This includes addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

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CIOs Leading ESG

The role of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) is becoming more central to businesses, as they are increasingly responsible for leading sustainability initiatives.

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Stationary Combustion Sources

Stationary combustion sources include power plants and industrial facilities that use fuels to generate heat or electricity. Examples include boilers, furnaces, and kilns.

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Mobile Combustion Sources

Mobile combustion sources are vehicles and equipment that use fuels like gasoline and diesel to move. Examples include cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes.

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Methane (CH4)

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas produced from agriculture, natural gas, petroleum, and other sources like waste treatment.

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Methane Production in Cows

Cows produce methane through a process called enteric fermentation in their rumen. This process involves bacteria, fungi, and protozoa breaking down food into methane and other byproducts.

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CO2 Emissions by Source (1880 - Present)

The graph displays the carbon dioxide emissions from various sources, highlighting the increasing trend of emissions since 1880.

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Global CO2 Emissions (1900-2020)

Global energy-related CO2 emissions from 1900 - 2020 are displayed. The graph shows the overall trend of emissions and variations over time.

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Burning Biomass

The use of biomass for energy can be considered renewable if it is sustainably managed and re-planted. However, burning biomass still releases carbon dioxide.

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COVID-19 Impact on CO2 Emissions

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary decrease in global CO2 emissions, highlighting the impact of human activity on the environment.

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Data Quality Challenge

Data quality is a major challenge in understanding and managing environmental impacts because it affects the accuracy of analyses and the effectiveness of solutions.

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Photosynthesis: Building Life

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (sugar) and oxygen. This process is the foundation of life as we know it.

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Cellular Respiration: Releasing Energy

The opposite of photosynthesis, respiration is the process where organisms break down glucose to release stored energy and produce carbon dioxide and water. This process fuels life.

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The Slow Carbon Cycle: Time Capsule

The slow carbon cycle involves geological processes that lock away carbon in rocks for millions of years, like weathering and sedimentation. It's a much slower process compared to the rapid cycling of carbon through living organisms.

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Human Impact: Unbalancing the Cycle

Human activities, like burning fossil fuels, are rapidly releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, upsetting the balance of the carbon cycle and contributing to climate change.

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Fossil Fuels: Stored Solar Energy

Fossil fuels, formed over millions of years from ancient organic matter, store a vast amount of energy. Burning them releases this stored energy, but also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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Study Notes

Carbon

  • Carbon is an element.
  • It is the fundamental building block of all organic compounds and life.
  • Organic compounds are synthesized through the process driven by the sun.
  • Two greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).
  • Four major categories of organic compounds in living organisms are:
    • Carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, starch)
    • Lipids (e.g., vegetable oil, animal fat)
    • Proteins
    • Nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA)

Atmospheric Composition Through Time

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) originated from geological events.
  • CO2 comprised 25% of the atmosphere's at some point in the past.
  • CO2 was consumed during the evolution of photosynthesis.
  • Oxygen (O2) emerged with the evolution of photosynthesis.
  • Other gases like ammonia and methane were also present early in Earth's history.

Earth's Atmosphere Composition

  • Nitrogen (N2) makes up 78% of the atmosphere.
  • Oxygen (O2) accounts for 21%.
  • Water vapor comprises 0.4%.
  • Argon (Ar) is 1%.
  • Other gases, including CO2 and Neon (Ne), account for less than 0.1% each.

Atoms and Molecules

  • Atoms are composed of a nucleus with protons and neutrons and orbiting electrons.
  • Molecules are formed by the chemical bonding of atoms.
  • Different molecules (water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), methane (CH4)) are shown by diagrams.

Reservoir and Flux

  • Reservoirs store resources such as energy and chemicals (e.g., plants, animals, atmosphere).
  • Fluxes describe the movement of energy or chemicals between reservoirs.
  • Residence time is the average time a substance stays in a reservoir. Calculated as (amount in reservoir) / (flow rate in or out).

Residence Time of Carbon Dioxide

  • The residence time of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is approximately 75 years.

Components of a System (Cycle)

  • Pools or stocks store resources such as chemicals or energy (e.g., plants, animals, atmosphere).
  • Fluxes occur when chemicals or energy are exchanged between pools (e.g., through arrows).
  • Biogeochemical cycles occur when pools and fluxes are interconnected.
  • Solar energy drives and powers different biogeochemical cycles.

Fast Carbon Cycle

  • Photosynthesis and respiration are essential parts of the fast carbon cycle.
  • The biosphere involves photosynthesis and respiration.
  • This cycle is primarily focused on the exchange of carbon between living organisms and the atmosphere.

Solar Radiation—Energy for Life

  • Solar radiation (short, visible, long wavelengths) is a source of energy for life.
  • Only a small percentage of solar radiation reaching Earth's surface is used in photosynthesis (1-2%).
  • Visible light is absorbed by land or water, or reflected into space. This is necessary for photosynthesis.
  • Plants capture approximately 130 terawatts of solar energy yearly. This is about 3x the power consumption of all humans.
  • About 10% of solar radiation is ultraviolet, 45% is visible, and 45% is infrared.

Photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis is the process where plants use light energy to transform water and carbon dioxide into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.
  • The chemical formula (equation) for photosynthesis is: 6H2O + 6CO2+ solar energy → C6H12O6 (sugar) + 6O2.
  • Chlorophyll is a pigment crucial for the process.
  • Photosynthesis occurs in the presence of sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll.
  • Glucose is the primary fuel powering metabolic processes.

Photosynthesis (alternative explanation)

  • Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen.
  • The process uses chlorophyll.
  • Glucose serves as the primary fuel for metabolic processes.
  • Photosynthesis is the origin of energy in fossil fuels.
  • Carbon dioxide involved in photosynthesis is reduced to form sugars.

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Description

Explore the essential role of carbon as the building block of organic compounds and its historical significance in Earth's atmosphere. Dive into the major categories of organic compounds and the evolution of gases, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, over time. This quiz will test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts of chemistry and environmental science.

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