Introduction to Carbon and Its Importance

Which of the following is NOT a way carbon is released back into the atmosphere?

What is the primary role of carbon in living organisms?

Which statement accurately describes the carbon cycle?

Why are fossil fuels considered inactive pools of carbon?

Which of the following is an example of an organic compound?

What happens to carbon when decomposers break down dead matter?

What is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth?

How does burning fossil fuels affect atmospheric carbon levels?

What is one consequence of having fewer plants on Earth?

What happens to the carbon in bodies that remain undecomposed for many years?

What is Carbon?

Carbon is an element (chemical symbol C)
Carbon is the basis of all living things
Carbon is present in rocks, oceans, and the atmosphere
Carbon is found in most materials made of plants and animals

Carbon and Molecules

Carbon bonds with other carbon atoms or other elements to form molecules
Molecules with more than one element are called compounds
Carbon forms more compounds than any other element, except hydrogen
Organic compounds contain carbon

Carbon's Role in Living Things

Carbon atoms form the backbone of major molecules in living organisms (e.g., sugars, proteins, DNA, fats)

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon cycles between the Earth and the atmosphere
Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to make food
Carbon stored in plants is transferred to animals when they eat the plants
When plants and animals die, most of their bodies decompose, returning carbon to the atmosphere
Some matter does not decompose fully and becomes fossil fuels underground.

Carbon in Oceans

Carbon is stored in the ocean
Carbon is found in the form of calcium carbonate in aquatic creatures’ shells
When aquatic animals die, carbon-containing substances are deposited at the bottom of the oceans
Oceans contain Earth’s largest reservoir of carbon

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, speeding up the carbon cycle
Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide results in global warming
Fewer plants mean less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere

This quiz explores the fundamental role of carbon in the natural world. You'll learn about carbon's properties, its crucial role in forming various molecules, and its significance in the carbon cycle essential for life. Test your knowledge on how carbon impacts living organisms and the environment.