Question

(a) (i) Name the biogeochemical (nutrient) cycle shown above. 

(ii) Name an activity of the living organisms not depicted in the cycle by which this nutrient is returned to the atmosphere. 

(b) How would the flow of the nutrient in the cycle be affected due to large scale deforestation ? Explain giving reasons. 

(c) Describe the effect of an increased level of this nutrient in the atmosphere on our environment.

Answer 1

(a) (i) Carbon cycle in biosphere. 

(ii) Volcanic activity and mining; microbial decomposition of organic matter. 

(b) Clearing of vast areas covered by forest, by man, is called deforestation. It is the main cause of soil erosion in India. Due to large scale deforestation, the flow of carbon in the environment will be disturbed because plants are the major consumers which utilise carbon for photosynthesis. This would lead to accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere. 

(c) Increase in the level of carbon in atmosphere will result in greenhouse effect. This will lead to heating of earth's surface and finally to global warming. Rise in temperature, results in odd climatic changes, which are harmful for the environment.