All living things need carbon.How does carbon enter the living portion of an ecosystem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbon enters the living portion of an ecosystem through atmospheric CO₂ taken in by photosynthesis, which is primarily done by plants. This process converts carbon into organic molecules, such as sugars, which are then used by other organisms in the ecosystem. Soil bacteria also play a role in cycling carbon, but they do not directly enter the living portion of the ecosystem. Elemental carbon is not typically involved in biological processes and therefore is not a significant source of carbon for living things.

All Living Things Need Carbon