Final answer:
Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and released back into the atmosphere during respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes two paths carbon dioxide can take through the carbon cycle is b) Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and released back into the atmosphere during respiration.
During photosynthesis, plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon compounds. These compounds are then used for energy during respiration, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.