AP Environmental Science (APES) Atmospheric Pollution Practice Test

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Which best describes a natural process that adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?

Photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide is released from the interior of Earth during volcanic eruptions

Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide stored deep in Earth’s interior into the atmosphere, making it a direct natural source of CO2. Photosynthesis removes CO2 by converting it into organic matter, and dissolving CO2 in oceans also lowers atmospheric CO2, so they’re sinks rather than sources. While respiration by animals does release CO2, the clearest natural process that adds CO2 directly to the air is outgassing from volcanic activity.

Respiration of animals

Dissolution in oceans

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