The ratio between the uptake of carbon dioxide by photosynthesis and the release of carbon dioxide by respiration is approximately
A) one (i.e., about the same).
B) 2 (i.e., twice as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).
C) 5 (i.e., five times as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).
D) 0.5 (i.e., half as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).
E) 0.1 (i.e., one tenth as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ratio between the uptake of carbon dioxide by photosynthesis and the release of carbon dioxide by respiration is approximately one. This is because photosynthesis and respiration are balanced processes in the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken up and converted into organic compounds, while during respiration organic compounds are broken down and carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere. The two processes balance each other out, resulting in an overall neutral effect on the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The Ratio Between the Uptake of Carbon Dioxide by Photosynthesis