Question

matter and energy in ecosystems study guide
multiple - choice questions

1. the sun has been up for several hours, and it has been shining on these trees. what can the trees do because they are in sunlight? what does this mean for the number of energy storage molecules in the trees?

the trees can...
a. give off carbon to the air. giving off carbon allows them to make energy storage molecules.
b. give off carbon to the air. giving off carbon uses up energy storage molecules.
c. take in carbon from the air. the carbon is used to make energy storage molecules.
d. take in carbon from the air. the carbon is used to break down energy storage molecules.

Explanation:

Plants (trees) in sunlight perform photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, they take in carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) from the air. The carbon in \(CO_2\) is used to synthesize glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)), which is an energy - storage molecule. So, taking in carbon from the air (as \(CO_2\)) is part of the process to make energy - storage molecules.

Answer:

C. take in carbon from the air. The carbon is used to make energy storage molecules.