Carbon Moves Through the Ecosystem on Both Short- and Long-Term

question 103

Multiple Choice

Carbon moves through the ecosystem on both short- and long-term scales. Which of the following statements BEST describes the movement of carbon through short-term time scales of the food chain?

• A)Partially reduced carbon compounds from primary producers are completely reduced by decomposers.
• B)Primary producers oxidize carbon compounds that were previously reduced by decomposers.
• C)Primary producers fix atmospheric carbon into compounds that will be oxidized by secondary consumers.
• D)Once carbon is fixed by primary producers, it will not enter the atmosphere again until broken down by decomposers.
• E)None of the answer options is correct.

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Definitions:

Regulation

The establishment of rules or laws designed to control or govern conduct, often enacted by governments to ensure order and safety.

Earth-sustaining Economics

An economic system aimed at promoting sustainability, ensuring that economic activities do not compromise the well-being of the earth and its ecosystems.

Paul Hawken

An environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author known for his work on sustainability and the environment, particularly in relation to business and economics.

Global Warming

A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants.