How do fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle?

Question

Responses

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.

Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere.

Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.

Answer 1

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.

This process contributes to the carbon cycle by adding carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere, which can then be taken up by plants during photosynthesis, but also leads to increased atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to climate change. The other options mentioned either incorrectly state the effects on soil or suggest that fossil fuels take carbon out of the atmosphere, which is not accurate.