Question

The ocean is the largest reservoir of carbon on Earth. Which of the following would most likely store carbon for the longest amount of time?
Calcium carbonate shells of marine organisms, like coral, oysters, and clams


Dissolved CO2 in surface ocean water


Dissolved CO2 in deep ocean water


Carbon stored in the rocks

Answer 1

Answer: Calcium carbonate shells of marine organisms, like coral, oysters, and clams.

Explanation:

Carbon dioxide in the gaseous form is absorbed from the atmosphere into the oceanic waters. The carbon dioxide is generated due to human activity like burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and by other activities. This increases the acidity of the oceanic waters, it affects the reef building in animals. The animals use the carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate structures that are used for building up the coral reefs and exoskeleton like shells of oysters and clams. This way carbon dioxide become an important component in the structure of the living organisms in the ocean. This way carbon dioxide get stored in the structures of marine organisms being the largest reservoir of carbon dioxide.