Question

In the ocean, plants and other photosynthetic organisms take in carbon. This carbon is transferred through the food web into the depths of the ocean. Large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere also constantly dissolve into the ocean. Water currents transfer the water containing this carbon dioxide down toward the bottom of the ocean. Which statement is best supported by this information?

A.
Oceans are carbon sinks because they emit carbon into the atmosphere.
B.
Oceans are carbon sources because they emit more carbon than they absorb.
C.
Oceans are carbon sinks because they store more carbon than they emit.
D.
Oceans are carbon sources because they absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

Answer 1

C. Oceans are carbon sinks because they store more carbon than they emit.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oceans are carbon sinks because they store more carbon than they emit. Most of the carbon is produced in the respiration process as well as burning of fossil fuels. This carbon moves to the atmosphere and dissolved into the ocean which is required by the vegetation of ocean. Due to this carbon, vegetation produced more food for the organisms. About 25% of all CO2 emissions are absorbed by the ocean. Source is the part of a plant where materials are produced e.g. leaves whereas Sink refers to the part of the plant where the substrate can be stored e.g. roots or stem for starch.