Which processes result in the release of carbon? Select three options.

Question

Animals break down food molecules to obtain energy.
The remains of producers are broken down by decomposers.
The remains of consumers are broken down by soil decomposers.
Producers take in carbon dioxide.
Producers make sugars and starches.

Answer 1

The three processes that result in the release of carbon are:

1. Animals break down food molecules to obtain energy. - This process involves cellular respiration, where animals convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water, releasing carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.

2. The remains of producers are broken down by decomposers. - When producers (like plants) die, decomposers break them down, a process that releases carbon back into the atmosphere or soil, often as carbon dioxide.

3. The remains of consumers are broken down by soil decomposers. - Similar to the decomposition of producers, the breakdown of consumer remains by decomposers releases carbon into the environment, again usually in the form of carbon dioxide.

The other options, where producers take in carbon dioxide and make sugars and starches, do not result in the release of carbon; they are processes of carbon uptake and storage.