Lesson 7 - Carbon stores in different biomes

Question 1

What biomes and ecosystems have high levels of carbon storage?

Answer 1

• Tropical rainforests
• Temperate grasslands

Question 2

Why do tropical rainforests contain such high levels of carbon?

Answer 2

• They have high primary productivity as the large amount of vegetation produces a high photosynthesis rate. This means that large amounts of carbon are also stored in biomass.

Question 3

Where do temperate grasslands store the most carbon and why?

Answer 3

Temperate grasslands receive little precipitation and therefore short grasses are found here, therefore most of the carbon is stored in the roots below the earths surface. When these roots die the carbon is released into the soil and remains here.

Question 4

How does deforestation affect the carbon storage of an area?

Answer 4

Deforestation means that carbon is released into the atmosphere as the tree biomass stores carbon. Trees are also then unavailable to absorb the carbon in the atmosphere leading to further increased levels.

Question 5

How does agriculture affect carbon storage of an area?

Answer 5

Using the land for agricultural use can decrease soil carbon storage as its aerated for crops.