Final answer:
Catabolic pathways release energy through the breakdown of complex molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
In catabolic pathways, complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, and energy is released in the process. This distinguishes catabolic pathways from anabolic pathways, which require energy to synthesize larger molecules. Therefore, the correct statement concerning catabolic pathways is option B: Catabolic pathways release energy through the breakdown of complex molecules.