Question

carbon is constantly in flux within and between earths four spheres. the processes that drive the movement of carbon can be described as either fast or slow.
the fast processes of the carbon cycle are biological, meaning they move carbon to, from, or within the biosphere. up to 100 billion metric tons of carbon move through the fast processes of the carbon cycle each year!
match each fast process of the carbon cycle to its description.
decomposition
cellular respiration
consumption
photosynthesis
carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere as plants and animals break down carbon - based molecules for energy and release carbon dioxide gas.
carbon moves from the biosphere to the geosphere and atmosphere as fungi and bacteria break down carbon - based molecules in dead organisms.
carbon moves within the biosphere as animals eat other organisms. they take in and break down carbon - based molecules, and they use the products to generate energy and make new carbon - based molecules.
carbon moves from the atmosphere to the biosphere as plants and algae use carbon dioxide gas to make carbon - based molecules, such as carbohydrates.

Explanation:

1. For the description "Carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere as plants and animals break down carbon - based molecules for energy and release carbon dioxide gas", this is cellular respiration. In cellular respiration, organisms break down organic molecules (carbon - based) to release energy, and carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
2. For the description "Carbon moves from the biosphere to the geosphere and atmosphere as fungi and bacteria break down carbon - based molecules in dead organisms", this is decomposition. Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organisms, releasing carbon to the geosphere (in the form of organic matter in soil) and atmosphere (as carbon dioxide).
3. For the description "Carbon moves within the biosphere as animals eat other organisms. They take in and break down carbon - based molecules, and they use the products to generate energy and make new carbon - based molecules", this is consumption. When animals eat other organisms, they are consuming carbon - based molecules and moving carbon within the biosphere.
4. For the description "Carbon moves from the atmosphere to the biosphere as plants and algae use carbon dioxide gas to make carbon - based molecules, such as carbohydrates", this is photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants and algae take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic (carbon - based) molecules.

Answer:

• cellular respiration: Carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere as plants and animals break down carbon - based molecules for energy and release carbon dioxide gas.
• decomposition: Carbon moves from the biosphere to the geosphere and atmosphere as fungi and bacteria break down carbon - based molecules in dead organisms.
• consumption: Carbon moves within the biosphere as animals eat other organisms. They take in and break down carbon - based molecules, and they use the products to generate energy and make new carbon - based molecules.
• photosynthesis: Carbon moves from the atmosphere to the biosphere as plants and algae use carbon dioxide gas to make carbon - based molecules, such as carbohydrates.