As humans continue to use fossil fuels as a primary source of energy, the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion will continue to increase dramatically. What is the effect of large-scale deforestation on the carbon in the atmosphere?
A) Because trees are a major sink for atmospheric carbon, fewer trees will result in less carbon being removed from the atmosphere for photosynthesis.
B) As trees are removed, there is more room for carbon to enter the soil directly and be used by other plants.
C) The large-scale removal of forests does not have any real effect on atmospheric carbon, because carbon dioxide is not stored in trees.
D) Because trees produce carbon dioxide, the amount of carbon in the atmosphere will decrease with their wide-scale removal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Trees act as a major carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis. When forests are removed, less carbon dioxide is absorbed, leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon levels.

As Humans Continue to Use Fossil Fuels as a Primary