Question

Which of the following best describes what happens to the carbon that makes up coal as it moves through the carbon cycle? (1 point)
It combines with pollutants to form acid rain during transpiration.
It becomes atmospheric carbon when it is burned for fuel.
It is broken down by plants and animals during cellular respiration.
It forms fossil fuels through the process of sedimentation.

Answer 1

The Carbon Cycle

‣ Carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants.
‣ Carbon moves from plants to animals.
‣ Carbon moves from plants and animals to soils.
‣ Carbon moves from living things to the atmosphere.
‣ Carbon moves from fossil fuels to the atmosphere when fuels are burned.
‣ Carbon moves from the atmosphere to the oceans.

"Coal forms from dead plants that sink to the bottoms of swamps. The organic matter is buried under sediments and slowly transformed into peat. If the peat is buried under more sediment, it can become coal." Source.

"Fossils are formed in different ways, but most are formed when a plant or animal dies in a watery environment and is buried in mud and silt." Source.