Question

Which three of the following steps in the carbon cycle describe how carbon moves between Earth's subsystems?

1. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide into the air.
2. Decaying organic material buried in the crust turns into fossil fuels.
3. Plants use carbon dioxide in the air to perform photosynthesis.
4. Animals use carbon stored in plants by eating them.
5. Carbon dioxide in the air is dissolved in the oceans' shallow waters.
A. 1, 3, and 4
B. 2, 3, and 5
C. 1, 4, and 5
D. 2, 4, and 5

Answer 1

Carbon moves between Earth's subsystems in the carbon cycle through the burning of fossil fuels, photosynthesis in plants, and consumption of plants by animals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three steps in the carbon cycle that describe how carbon moves between Earth's subsystems are:

1. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide into the air.
2. Plants use carbon dioxide in the air to perform photosynthesis.
3. Animals use carbon stored in plants by eating them.

These steps demonstrate how carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, plants, and animals in the carbon cycle.