Why are producers and consumers important to the carbon cycle?
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a
Producers and consumers store and produce carbon compounds.
b
Producers produce carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
c
Cellular respiration, performed by both producers and consumers, makes oxygen.
d
Consumers produce carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
The correct answer is c.
Both producers (such as plants) and consumers (such as animals) play vital roles in the carbon cycle. Producers, through photosynthesis, convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic carbon compounds, therefore reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. These carbon compounds are used for growth and energy storage in plants, effectively storing carbon.
Consumers then obtain these carbon compounds by consuming producers or other consumers. Through cellular respiration, both producers and consumers break down these organic carbon compounds, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. However, it is important to note that while cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide, it does not produce oxygen.
In summary, producers and consumers are important in the carbon cycle because they store and produce carbon compounds, regulate the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and contribute to the overall balance of carbon in the ecosystem.