Trees primarily release carbon dioxide (CO2) at night.
While trees are well-known for performing photosynthesis during the day, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, this process relies on sunlight. At night, in the absence of sunlight, photosynthesis ceases. Trees then switch to cellular respiration, a process that consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, similar to animals.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Photosynthesis (Daytime): Trees use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (sugar) for energy and release oxygen as a byproduct.
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Cellular Respiration (Day and Night): Trees break down glucose to release energy for growth and other functions. This process consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide and water.
Therefore, while trees do release carbon dioxide during both day and night, they release a net amount of oxygen during the day because photosynthesis far outweighs respiration. At night, with photosynthesis halted, respiration becomes the dominant process, leading to a net release of carbon dioxide.
In summary, while trees contribute to oxygen production during the day through photosynthesis, they release carbon dioxide at night due to cellular respiration.
