In the context of the carbon cycle, what roles do producers and consumers primarily play?

• A. Both producers and consumers only release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• B. Producers and consumers both absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• C. Producers remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, while consumers return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere through respiration.
• D. Consumers convert carbon dioxide into glucose, while producers break down glucose to release carbon dioxide.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the carbon cycle: The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, organisms, and the Earth. It involves processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.
2. Identify the role of producers: Producers, such as plants and algae, use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). This process is essential for removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
3. Identify the role of consumers: Consumers, such as animals and humans, obtain energy by consuming producers or other organisms. During cellular respiration, they break down glucose to release energy, producing CO₂ as a byproduct, which is returned to the atmosphere.
4. Clarify the distinction: Producers primarily remove CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, while consumers primarily return CO₂ to the atmosphere through respiration. This creates a balance in the carbon cycle.
5. Relate the roles to the options provided: The correct answer is that producers remove CO₂ from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, while consumers return CO₂ to the atmosphere through respiration. The other options either oversimplify or misrepresent these roles.