Global Carbon Content of Groups of Organisms

In summary, the article discusses the distribution of total carbon in organisms, as reported in a PNAS article. Plants are found to have the highest amount of carbon, followed by bacteria and insects. Livestock outnumber wild mammals and birds combined, highlighting the significant impact of humans on the environment. A key takeaway from the article is that humans have greatly influenced the environment, as shown by the data on carbon biomass. For instance, there are more chickens in the world than any other species of bird.
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BillTre
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This article describes how total carbon in organisms is distributed among different groups.
Science news article here.
Original PNAS article here.
Plants win, not surprisingly (primary producers).
Bacteria are next (Archaea which are similar to bacteria in many ways have much less carbon).
Insects win among animals, but fish are pretty close.
Livestock out numbers wild mammals and birds combined, indicating the power of humans to affect the environment on a large scale.
 
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A major point of the article is that humans have had huge impacts on the environment. The data is reported using carbon biomass, meaning how many tons of carbon are in all mammals combined, or humans as well.

For example there are more chickens than any other species of bird, ~19 billion chickens by an FAO estimate in 2002.
Popular Science article:
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-chickens-are-there-in-the-world.html
 
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FAQ: Global Carbon Content of Groups of Organisms

What is the global carbon content of different groups of organisms?

The global carbon content of different groups of organisms refers to the amount of carbon present in living organisms on Earth. This includes all living organisms such as plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans.

How does the global carbon content of organisms affect the environment?

The global carbon content of organisms plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate. Carbon is a major component of greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Additionally, carbon is vital for the growth and survival of all living organisms, making it an essential element for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Which groups of organisms have the highest carbon content?

Plants have the highest carbon content compared to other groups of organisms. This is because they are primary producers, meaning they are able to photosynthesize and convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds, such as sugars, which are used for energy and growth.

How is the global carbon content of organisms measured?

The global carbon content of organisms is measured through various methods, such as biomass sampling, remote sensing, and carbon isotope analysis. Biomass sampling involves physically measuring the amount of carbon present in living organisms. Remote sensing uses satellites to estimate the carbon content of large areas. Carbon isotope analysis measures the ratio of different carbon isotopes in the environment to determine the amount of carbon present.

Is the global carbon content of organisms changing over time?

Yes, the global carbon content of organisms is constantly changing over time. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in carbon dioxide levels, contributing to climate change. Additionally, changes in land use and natural disturbances, such as wildfires, can also impact the global carbon content of organisms.

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