What does the carbon cycle involve?

The carbon cycle describes the process of how carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and organisms. The correct answer highlights a crucial part of this cycle. It involves the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) by plants during photosynthesis, where they convert CO2 into organic compounds, such as glucose, using sunlight. This carbon then enters the food web as animals consume the plants, and ultimately, carbon is returned to the atmosphere through the respiration of both plants and animals when they metabolize food for energy.

This aspect of the carbon cycle demonstrates the interconnectedness of life on Earth, showing how carbon moves from abiotic to biotic components and back again. It emphasizes the role of plants as primary producers in the ecosystem and the importance of respiration in recycling carbon. Understanding this dynamic process is essential for grasping larger environmental concepts, such as the impact of human activity on carbon levels in the atmosphere and climate change.