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Multiple Choice
Which component of the biosphere is an example of organic matter?
A
Granite rock
B
Leaf litter on a forest floor
C
Oxygen gas ($O_2$)
D
Water vapor in the atmosphere
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the term 'organic matter.' Organic matter refers to substances that are composed of carbon-based compounds and are typically derived from living organisms or their remains. Examples include plant material, animal remains, and microbial matter.
Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the problem to determine whether it qualifies as organic matter. Start with 'Granite rock.' Granite is an inorganic material composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica, and does not contain carbon-based compounds derived from living organisms.
Step 3: Evaluate 'Leaf litter on a forest floor.' Leaf litter consists of decomposing plant material, which is rich in carbon-based compounds and originates from living organisms. This makes it an example of organic matter.
Step 4: Assess 'Oxygen gas ($O_2$).' Oxygen gas is a molecule composed of two oxygen atoms and is inorganic. It does not contain carbon-based compounds and is not derived from living organisms.
Step 5: Examine 'Water vapor in the atmosphere.' Water vapor ($H_2O$) is a molecule composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. It is inorganic and does not contain carbon-based compounds derived from living organisms. Therefore, it is not organic matter.