Imagine following a single carbon atom through the carbon cycle. Which of the following is a possible path for the carbon atom to take?

A. The atmosphere; a plant; an herbivore; another plant; then back to the atmosphere.

B. The atmosphere, a plant, a herbivore, a decomposer, then back to the atmosphere.

C. The atmosphere; a decomposer; a higher-level consumer; then back to the atmosphere.

D. The atmosphere; a plant; a higher-level consumer; then back to the atmosphere.

E. The atmosphere; a decomposer; then back to the atmosphere.

Question

Chemistry

Randall Holmes

4 March, 19:22

Imagine following a single carbon atom through the carbon cycle. Which of the following is a possible path for the carbon atom to take?

A. The atmosphere; a plant; an herbivore; another plant; then back to the atmosphere.

B. The atmosphere, a plant, a herbivore, a decomposer, then back to the atmosphere.

C. The atmosphere; a decomposer; a higher-level consumer; then back to the atmosphere.

D. The atmosphere; a plant; a higher-level consumer; then back to the atmosphere.

E. The atmosphere; a decomposer; then back to the atmosphere.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Mariam Reid · Answer 1

B. The atmosphere, a plant, a herbivore, a decomposer, then back to the atmosphere.

Explanation:

The carbon cycle is the Biogeochemical mechanism by which energy is transferred among the atmosphere of the Earth, the biosphere, Pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere. The carbon cycle, along with the nitrogen cycle and the water cycle, includes a series of events that are essential to making the Planet viable of supporting life; explains energy transport as recovered and reused by the biosphere, even carbon sinks.

A single carbon atom will more likely be consumed by a plant from the atmosphere and then reach the body of an herbivore eating the plant Now this carbon atom may enter a Decomposer that feed after the herbivore dies, which would expel it back into the atmosphere again.

Therefore, the correct option is B