Quiz #1: STAAR Review1 of 121 of 12 Items00:51 / 20:00QuestionWhich of the following would decrease the amount of excess carbon dioxide released into the carbon cycle? Responsesreduction of the use of fossil fuelsreduction of the use of fossil fuelsincreased cellular respiration by animalsincreased cellular respiration by animalsreduction in the photosynthetic activity of aquatic producersreduction in the photosynthetic activity of aquatic producersdeforestation

The answer to the question "Which of the following would decrease the amount of excess carbon dioxide released into the carbon cycle?" is "reduction of the use of fossil fuels".

Here's why:

1. Reduction of the use of fossil fuels: Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. If we reduce the use of fossil fuels, we would decrease the amount of carbon dioxide released into the carbon cycle.

2. Increased cellular respiration by animals: This would actually increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere because cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

3. Reduction in the photosynthetic activity of aquatic producers: This would also increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so reducing photosynthesis would leave more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

4. Deforestation: This would increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so cutting down trees would leave more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.