Which of the Following Locations is the Reservoir for Carbon

Question

Which of the following locations is the reservoir for carbon for the carbon cycle?
A)atmosphere
B)sediments and sedimentary rocks
C)fossilized plant and animal remains (coal, oil, and natural gas)
D)plant and animal biomass
E)all of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above locations are reservoirs for carbon in the carbon cycle. Carbon is constantly moving between these reservoirs through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion. The carbon in the atmosphere exists as carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and stored as biomass. When plants and animals die, their remains can become fossilized over time and form coal, oil, and natural gas deposits in sedimentary rocks. The sediments and sedimentary rocks also contain organic matter that can be broken down by decomposers and release carbon back into the atmosphere. Therefore, carbon is constantly cycling between these reservoirs.