Which process describes the circulation of carbon atoms in an ecosystem?

The carbon cycle is the process that describes the circulation of carbon atoms through various forms and reservoirs in an ecosystem. It encompasses the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals. Carbon is crucial for life, as it acts as a fundamental building block of organic molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

In the carbon cycle, carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and converted into organic matter. This organic matter is then passed through the food web as consumers eat plants and other organisms. When organisms respire or decompose, carbon is released back into the atmosphere or into the soil where it can again be used by plants.

This cycle is vital for regulating Earth's climate, as it helps control the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which in turn influences global temperatures. Understanding the carbon cycle is essential for addressing issues related to climate change, as human activities such as burning fossil fuels have significantly altered its natural balance.

The hydrological cycle primarily deals with the movement of water, the oxygen cycle focuses on the circulation of oxygen predominantly influenced by photosynthesis and respiration, and the nitrogen cycle describes the transformation and movement of nitrogen through the environment, none of which encompass the broader roles of carbon in ecosystems.