Which is the least likely fate of a molecule of carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water?
A) It will be diffused to the atmosphere.
B) It will be incorporated into a fossil fuel.
C) It will become part of a marine animal's shell.
D) It will be taken up by phytoplankton.
E) It will remain dissolved in the water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water is unlikely to be incorporated into a fossil fuel as it would require a series of complex geological processes over millions of years. The other options are all plausible fates of a molecule of carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water. It could diffuse to the atmosphere, become part of a marine animal's shell, be taken up by phytoplankton through photosynthesis, or remain dissolved in the water.

Which Is the Least Likely Fate of a Molecule of Carbon