Question

drag each tile to the correct location.
identify each process as a carbon source or a carbon sink.
photosynthesis combustion respiration fossilization ocean absorption

Explanation:

• Photosynthesis: Plants take in \(CO_2\) from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds (like glucose) using sunlight. So, it acts as a carbon sink.
• Combustion: Burning of fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil, gas) releases \(CO_2\) (and other carbon - containing gases in some cases) into the atmosphere. So, it is a carbon source.
• Respiration: Organisms (including humans, animals, plants) break down organic compounds (like glucose) to release energy, and \(CO_2\) is a by - product. So, it is a carbon source.
• Fossilization: Over millions of years, dead organisms are buried and converted into fossil fuels. During this long - term process, carbon is removed from the short - term carbon cycle (atmosphere - biosphere cycle) and stored in the Earth's crust. So, it acts as a carbon sink (in the long - term).
• Ocean Absorption: The ocean absorbs a significant amount of \(CO_2\) from the atmosphere. The dissolved \(CO_2\) can be incorporated into marine organisms (e.g., shells of mollusks) or be involved in chemical reactions in the water. So, it is a carbon sink.

Answer:

Carbon Sink	Carbon Source