AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Plants absorb carbon from the environment in photosynthesis and return it in respiration. Animals obtain their carbon by eating plants; they release carbon in respiration. Micrororganisms (such as fungi and bacteria) return carbon to the environment when they decompose dead plants and animals.

Detailed explanation-2: -When an animal breathes, it takes in oxygen gas and releases carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is a waste product produced by the animal’s cells during cellular respiration.

Detailed explanation-3: -A new study involving ANU and international collaborators has found plants release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through respiration than expected. Plants use photosynthesis to capture carbon dioxide and then release half of it into the atmosphere through respiration.

Detailed explanation-4: -Bacteria and fungi and other decomposers respire and release carbon to the atmosphere. Plants take in carbon from the atmosphere and photosynthesise with it. Animals and humans respire and release carbon dioxide.