What is the least likely fate of any given molecule of carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water?
A) Uptake by phytoplankton
B) Incorporation into fossil fuels
C) Diffusion back into the atmosphere
D) Remaining dissolved in ocean water
E) Incorporation into a calcium carbonate shell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water can be taken up by phytoplankton (A) and incorporated into calcium carbonate shells (E), both of which are important components of the ocean's carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide can also diffuse back into the atmosphere (C), which contributes to global carbon cycling. Remaining dissolved in ocean water (D) is also a potential fate for carbon dioxide, but this is not the least likely. The least likely fate is incorporation into fossil fuels (B), as this process involves the long-term burial of carbon compounds and is not a common occurrence for carbon dioxide molecules dissolved in ocean water.

What Is the Least Likely Fate of Any Given Molecule