The Living World: Ecosystems
Which process indicates how humans have intentionally influenced the carbon cycle through technological advancements?
Expansion of industrial-scale composting facilities.
Development of carbon capture and storage technology (CCS).
Introduction of high-yield crop varieties in agriculture.
Enhancement of natural gas extraction techniques like fracking.
How can oceans be considered a sink in the carbon cycle?
Waste decomposition.
Transpiration.
Photosynthesis.
Cellular respiration.
How might cap-and-trade policies for carbon emissions indirectly benefit forest ecosystems?
By creating financial incentives to maintain forests as carbon sinks
By mandating reforestation efforts without providing economic incentives
Through imposing direct taxes on logging companies leading to reduced operations
By setting aside protected zones that can reduce biodiversity due to habitat fragmentation
What is a potential drawback of using biofuels produced from corn as a major strategy to combat climate change?
They require large quantities of water which could be used for drinking supplies instead.
They release more greenhouse gases than they absorb during production.
They can lead to increased food prices due to competition for cropland.
They deplete soil nutrients faster than other energy-related crops can replenish them.
Which human activity contributes most directly to the increase of atmospheric CO2, thus affecting the carbon cycle?
Establishment of marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity.
Burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation.
Implementation of no-till farming to reduce soil erosion.
Sustainable logging practices in managed forests.
Which activity by humans increases atmospheric CO2 contributing to changes in Earth's climate system?
Recycling paper products.
Burning fossil fuels for energy production and transportation.
Conserving electricity at home.
Planting trees in urban areas.
How does deforestation contribute to an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere?
Deforestation reduces the production of fossil fuels
A decrease in the number of plants processing carbon via photosynthesis
Dead plants release carbon as they decompose
Carbon sinks become more effective in storing carbon

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Which process in the carbon cycle would most likely be disrupted by an increase in ocean acidity due to higher levels of dissolved CO2?
The release of oxygen from oceanic phytoplankton.
The respiration rates of land animals.
The dissolution and formation of carbonate structures.
The photosynthetic rate of terrestrial plants.
Considering climate feedback mechanisms, how does melting permafrost exacerbate global warming?
Formation of new peatlands storing significant amounts of carbon
Increased albedo effect reducing planetary heat absorption
Enhanced vegetative cover absorbing more CO2 through photosynthesis
Release of previously trapped methane and CO2
What is a potential environmental disadvantage of hydroelectric power plants?
Significant contribution to acid rain formation.
Habitat destruction due to dam construction.
High carbon dioxide emissions during operation.
Extensive air pollution from burning fuel.