The ratio between the uptake of carbon dioxide by photosynthesis and the release of carbon dioxide by respiration is approximately
A) 1 (i.e., about the same).
B) 2 (i.e., twice as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).
C) 5 (i.e., five times as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).
D) 0.5 (i.e., half as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration).
E) 0.1 (i.e., one-tenth as much carbon dioxide is taken up by photosynthesis as is released by respiration). The transfer rates of these two is about even.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ratio between the uptake of carbon dioxide by photosynthesis and the release of carbon dioxide by respiration is approximately 1, which means that they are about the same. This is because photosynthesis and respiration are complementary processes that balance each other: photosynthesis produces oxygen and organic matter, while respiration consumes them and releases carbon dioxide. Consequently, in ecosystems, the net primary productivity (NPP) of plants, which is the amount of organic matter they produce through photosynthesis, is offset by the respiratory losses of plants, animals, and microbes, which use oxygen and organic matter to support their life processes. Thus, the ratio of photosynthesis and respiration is close to 1, and any changes in the balance of these processes can affect the global carbon cycle and climate change.

The Ratio Between the Uptake of Carbon Dioxide by Photosynthesis