The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing. The table shows the estimated mass of carbon dioxide exchanged with the atmosphere in one year. Item 16 Mass of carbon dioxide exchanged with the atmosphere in millions of tonnes Item 17 Item 18 Passed out into the atmosphere 30 10 Taken in from the atmosphere 64 0 Item 19 Microorganisms Item 20 Item 21 Combustion Item 22 Plants Animals According to the table, which of the following processes releases the least amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? (1 point) Plants Animals Microorganisms Combustion

According to the information provided in the table, the processes involving the exchange of carbon dioxide with the atmosphere are as follows:

- **Passed out into the atmosphere**: 30 million tonnes (likely including contributions from combustion, microorganisms, plants, and animals).
- **Taken in from the atmosphere**: 64 million tonnes (which would include contributions from plants and possibly microorganisms).

To determine which of the listed processes releases the least amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, we can analyze the likely role of each:

1. **Plants**: Generally absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, so they contribute negatively to atmospheric CO2 levels overall.
2. **Animals**: Respiration by animals adds carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, but typically this contribution is significantly smaller compared to combustion.
3. **Microorganisms**: Depending on the type, they can either contribute to carbon absorption or release, but many microorganisms decompose organic matter, thereby releasing CO2.
4. **Combustion**: This process, particularly from fossil fuels, is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions among human activities.

Given these considerations, among the options provided, **Plants** would typically release the least amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (considering they predominantly absorb CO2).

Thus, the correct answer is **Plants**.