During photosynthesis, carbon in the atmosphere (in the form of CO₂) is transferred to plants, where it is turned into organic plant biomass.Some of the carbon also enters the soil, and some is returned to the atmosphere through respiration.Which parts of this interaction would be considered pools, and which would be fluxes? A) The atmosphere is a pool; the plants and soil are fluxes. B) The atmosphere and plants are pools; the soil is a flux. C) The atmosphere, plants, and soil are pools; the movements between them are fluxes. D) The movements between atmosphere, plants, and soil are pools; the atmosphere, plants, and soil are fluxes. E) Movements of carbon to and from the atmosphere are fluxes; movement into the soil is a pool.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pools are the reservoirs where elements are stored, while fluxes refer to the movement of these elements between pools. In this scenario, the atmosphere, plants, and soil are pools because they act as reservoirs of carbon. The fluxes in this system occur between the pools, as the carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants and into the soil, and then back to the atmosphere through respiration. Therefore, choice C is the best answer as it recognizes all three as pools with fluxes between them.

During Photosynthesis, Carbon in the Atmosphere (In the Form of CO2)

During Photosynthesis, Carbon in the Atmosphere (In the Form of CO₂)