Which of the following processes is involved in the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle is a critical ecological process that involves the movement of carbon through various parts of the Earth, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Both decomposition and respiration are integral processes in this cycle.

Decomposition refers to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi. When organisms die, their bodies are processed by these microorganisms, which release carbon back into the soil and atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). This process enriches the soil with nutrients and plays a vital role in carbon recycling.

Respiration is another key process where animals, plants, and microorganisms convert organic molecules (primarily glucose) into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy for cellular functions. During respiration, carbon that was originally captured by plants through photosynthesis is returned to the atmosphere. This constant exchange between photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition maintains the balance of carbon in the environment.

The option indicating both decomposition and respiration correctly recognizes that these processes work together to cycle carbon through ecosystems, making it essential in understanding the full scope of the carbon cycle. Fossilization, while related to carbon storage, is a longer-term process that does not play a direct role in the cyclical nature of carbon as