How does the carbon cycle function?

The carbon cycle functions by describing the movement of carbon through various spheres of the Earth, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Carbon is a crucial element that exists in different forms such as carbon dioxide, organic matter, and fossil fuels. Through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion, carbon is continuously exchanged among these spheres.

Plants play a significant role in this cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and converting it into organic matter. Animals then consume these plants, utilizing the carbon in their own metabolic processes. When organisms respire, die, or decompose, carbon is released back into the atmosphere or into the soil, where it can be stored or further used by other organisms. Additionally, carbon can be stored in geological formations over long periods, contributing to the Earth's carbon reservoirs.

The option that suggests the carbon cycle only involves plants limits the understanding of the numerous interactions that take place in this complex system. The notion that the cycle is solely about carbon storage in soil overlooks the dynamic processes that facilitate carbon movement. Furthermore, asserting that the carbon cycle has no impact on climate fails to recognize its critical role in regulating greenhouse gas levels and, therefore, global temperatures. Understanding the