Question

Which one of the following would help remove more CO2 from the atmosphere? A. Planting more trees B. Burning less fossil fuels C. Increase the number of heterotrophs D. Decrease the number of autotrophs E. All of the above.

Short answer

A. Planting more trees

Step-by-step solution

- Understand CO2 removal

Identify how each option impacts CO2 removal from the atmosphere. CO2 removal generally involves either increasing the absorption of CO2 or decreasing the emission of CO2.

- Analyze each option

Let's examine each option:- A. Planting more trees: Trees absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, which helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere.- B. Burning less fossil fuels: Burning fossil fuels releases CO2. Thus, burning less fossil fuels would reduce CO2 emissions.- C. Increase the number of heterotrophs: Heterotrophs consume organic material but do not directly help in capturing CO2; instead, they release CO2 via respiration.- D. Decrease the number of autotrophs: Autotrophs (like plants) absorb CO2 for photosynthesis. Decreasing their number would reduce the CO2 absorption capacity.- E. All of the above: Options A and B help in removing or reducing CO2.

- Determine the best option

Compare options A and B. Planting more trees directly increases CO2 absorption. Burning less fossil fuels reduces CO2 emissions but does not directly increase CO2 absorption. Thus, planting more trees has a more direct and significant effect on removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Key concepts

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other autotrophs to convert light energy into chemical energy. It involves the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and using it to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is vital for the removal of CO2, as it significantly reduces the amount of CO2 in the air.

During photosynthesis, plants take in CO2 through tiny openings in their leaves called stomata. They use sunlight to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2

Photosynthesis not only helps in CO2 removal but also produces oxygen, which is essential for most life forms on Earth. Planting more trees is an excellent way to increase CO2 absorption and contribute to a healthier atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas have been the primary energy sources for human activities, but they have a significant downside: they release large amounts of CO2 when burned. This contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Burning fossil fuels releases CO2 because they contain carbon that reacts with oxygen during combustion. The more fossil fuels we burn, the more CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere. Reducing the burning of fossil fuels is crucial for lowering CO2 emissions.

Alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower generate energy without emitting CO2. By transitioning to these renewable energy sources, we can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and help mitigate climate change.

Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

Autotrophs and heterotrophs are two types of organisms classified based on how they obtain their energy.

***Autotrophs*** are organisms that can produce their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, and other chemicals. Plants, algae, and some bacteria are examples of autotrophs. They play a crucial role in removing CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

***Heterotrophs***, on the other hand, cannot produce their own food. They consume other organisms to obtain energy. Animals, fungi, and many bacteria fall into this category. While they contribute to the carbon cycle, their respiration process releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.

Increasing the number of autotrophs, like planting more trees, enhances CO2 absorption. Conversely, increasing the number of heterotrophs does not directly help in capturing CO2 and can even lead to higher CO2 levels due to respiration.

CO2 Absorption

CO2 absorption is the process by which CO2 is taken from the atmosphere and sequestered in natural or engineered systems. Several methods contribute to CO2 absorption:

* **Planting trees**: Trees and plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, making reforestation a critical strategy for CO2 removal.

* **Oceans**: Oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Marine life, including phytoplankton, plays a role in sequestering CO2 through processes like photosynthesis.

* **Soil**: Soils can store carbon through organic matter from plants and roots. Sustainable agriculture practices enhance soil's ability to absorb CO2.

Effective CO2 absorption requires a combination of these methods. Planting more trees has the most direct impact because it not only absorbs CO2 but also creates a sustainable cycle that benefits the entire planet's ecosystem.