Question

Which of the following is false for carbon as it cycles in nature?

a) Carbon dioxide is absorbed during decomposition
b) Carbon compounds exist in the gaseous state
c) Carbon sinks/reservoirs include forests and oceans
d) The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is reduced by planting trees

Answer 1

The false statement about the carbon cycle is that 'Carbon dioxide is absorbed during decomposition' when in reality, carbon dioxide is released during this process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns which statement is false about how carbon cycles in nature. The false statement is: 'Carbon dioxide is absorbed during decomposition'. In fact, carbon dioxide is released during decomposition as organic matter is broken down. Carbon compounds do exist in gaseous state, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon sinks or reservoirs include forests and oceans, which absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store carbon in various forms. Moreover, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is indeed reduced by planting trees, given they use CO2 for photosynthesis to create organic carbon.