Title: Assignment
Course: HRT 111 Introduction to Horticulture -Spring 2015 > Section: HRT 111 Introduction to Horticulture -Spring 2015

Assignment

Photosynthesis and Respiration

Photosynthesis and Respiration (10 points)

The organic carbon that we eat in our food or burn as fuel ultimately comes from living or fossilized plants (oil, coal and natural gas).  Humans are releasing far more carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere than plants can absorb, but the rate of increase in CO2 is not going up as fast as expected.    Read the article from National Geographic called “The Case of the Missing Carbon” by clicking here and answer the following questions:

1.  Why is the human race like the mouse in the jar that Joseph Priestly used to demonstrate photosynthesis and respiration more than 250 years ago?
2.  What are the largest carbon sinks, which may be losing their ability to absorb and hold the excess carbon that humans are releasing into the atmosphere?  Why is this a problem?
3.  What can horticulturalists do to help slow the buildup of carbon dioxide to delay or prevent drastic global climate change?   Your answer should be one paragraph (three to five sentences) for each question.  Copy and paste your answer to question 3 in the discussion forum for week 3 and reply to at least two other students' answers.

Once you have completed the assignment go to the Dropbox Folder in the Content Menu and click on "Dropbox: Unit 3 Assignment” to learn how to submit the assignment.