Final answer:
Plants in the forest, notably tropical forest trees, absorb low carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Reforestation and protection of existing forests are key strategies for maintaining low atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
In forests, various types of plants are responsible for absorbing low carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose and oxygen. Trees and plants not only remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also store it in their structure, acting as carbon sinks. Examples of plants that are particularly efficient at this include tropical forest trees which are vast carbon storages. Additionally, other plant types also contribute to carbon fixation, but with adaptations to their respective environments. For instance, temperate species like the maple tree utilize the C3 pathway, C4 species like corn are adapted to hot, bright climates and concentrate CO₂ in a separate compartment, and desert plants such as the jade plant fix CO₂ at night to conserve water.
Human activities such as deforestation drastically reduce the number of trees and therefore the capacity of forests to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to increased levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Reforestation efforts are crucial for restoring the carbon-absorbing capacity of forests. Moreover, protecting our existing forests from deforestation is equally important in maintaining low carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.