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Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes can transfer carbon from seashells (composed mainly of calcium carbonate, CaCO$_3$) to the atmosphere?
A
Seashells dissolve in acidic ocean water, releasing CO$_2$ into the atmosphere.
B
Seashells are buried and become part of sedimentary rock, permanently storing carbon.
C
Seashells are converted into glucose through photosynthesis, releasing CO$_2$.
D
Seashells are consumed by marine animals, which directly exhale CO$_2$ into the atmosphere.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the composition of seashells. Seashells are primarily made of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which is a compound that can interact with acidic substances to release carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Step 2: Analyze the first option: 'Seashells dissolve in acidic ocean water, releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere.' When calcium carbonate reacts with acidic water, it undergoes a chemical reaction that releases CO₂. This process is a plausible mechanism for transferring carbon from seashells to the atmosphere.
Step 3: Evaluate the second option: 'Seashells are buried and become part of sedimentary rock, permanently storing carbon.' This process does not release CO₂ into the atmosphere; instead, it sequesters carbon in the form of rock, making it unavailable for atmospheric transfer.
Step 4: Examine the third option: 'Seashells are converted into glucose through photosynthesis, releasing CO₂.' Photosynthesis is a process performed by plants and some microorganisms, not seashells. Seashells cannot be converted into glucose, so this option is incorrect.
Step 5: Assess the fourth option: 'Seashells are consumed by marine animals, which directly exhale CO₂ into the atmosphere.' While marine animals may exhale CO₂, the carbon in seashells is not directly metabolized or converted into CO₂ by these animals. This option is not a valid mechanism for transferring carbon from seashells to the atmosphere.