Final answer:
Human activities impact the carbon and oxygen cycle through combustion of fossil fuels and destruction of vegetation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human Activities Impact on the Carbon and Oxygen Cycle
Human activities can impact the carbon and oxygen cycle in multiple ways. Two significant ways are:
- Combustion of fossil fuels: When humans burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere. This extra CO2 increases the concentration of greenhouse gases, leading to climate change. Additionally, less vegetation is available to perform photosynthesis, reducing oxygen production.
- Destruction of vegetation: Deforestation and urbanization result in the destruction of vegetation. Plants play a critical role in photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. When vegetation is destroyed, the balance of the oxygen and carbon cycles is disrupted.
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