Assignment 27 : Carbon Dioxide and the Biosphere

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Carbon dioxide makes up only about 0.03 percent of the atmosphere and its concentration varies from place to place. Carbon dioxide enters the oceans where the water meets the atmosphere.

Molecules of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats contain carbon atoms. Animals get carbon from the green plants or animals they eat. When animals oxidize food, they release energy and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide, the waste product of respiration, enters the ecosystem.

When fossils fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gases are burned carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere The carbohydrates from which plants are composed release carbon dioxide when plant material is burned as fuel.

Greenhouse Effect : The trapping of heat in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gases : Carbon dioxide, water vapor, ozone, and methane.

Environmental sink : Is a feature within the environment that traps a particular substance.