Question

a plants absorb co₂ from the atmosphere and convert it to a sugar through the process of photosynthesis.
b plants absorb dissolved carbon from water and convert it to a sugar through the process of photosynthesis.
c decomposers take in co₂ from dead material and convert it to ch₄ through the process of cellular respiration.
d decomposers absorb doc from water and convert it to ch₄ through the process of cellular respiration.

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we analyze each choice:

• Option A: Photosynthesis in plants involves absorbing \( \text{CO}_2 \) from the atmosphere and using it (along with water and light energy) to produce glucose (a sugar). This is consistent with the known process of photosynthesis.
• Option B: Plants do not absorb dissolved carbon from water for photosynthesis; they take in \( \text{CO}_2 \) from the air. So B is incorrect.
• Option C: Decomposers break down dead material, and their cellular respiration involves using organic carbon (not \( \text{CO}_2 \) directly from dead material) to produce energy, and they do not convert to \( \text{CH}_4 \) via cellular respiration in this way. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: Decomposers' cellular respiration typically involves breaking down organic matter (DOC - Dissolved Organic Carbon) to release energy, but they do not convert it to \( \text{CH}_4 \) through cellular respiration (methanogenesis is a different process by specific microbes, not typical cellular respiration). So D is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Plants absorb \( \text{CO}_2 \) from the atmosphere and convert it to a sugar through the process of photosynthesis.