Question

Which step is not involved in the carbon cycle?

Options

• Photosynthesis

• Transpiration

• Respiration

• Burning of fossil fuels

Answer 1

Transpiration

Explanation:

The movement of carbon through living and non-living components of the biosphere is called the carbon cycle. Carbon is present in the form- of CO₂ in the air. The CO₂ in the atmosphere act as a reservoir, from which COz is taken up and returned to by living organisms and non-living components. Photosynthesis, respiration and burning of fossil fuels are important steps involved in the carbon cycle.
CO₂ from air is taken up by green plants and fixed into carbohydrate molecules by a process called photosynthesis. These organic compounds (Carbohydrate molecules) are used up by animals to obtain energy.
Animals utilise these carbohydrate molecules to obtain energy and release CO₂ in the atmospheric reservoir. The burning of fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) also releases CO₂ into the atmosphere.
Transpiration, on the other hand, is the loss of water molecules from leaves and is not involved in the carbon cycle.