Question

plants and animals in the ocean also cycle carbon. during photosynthesis, tiny plants called phytoplankton absorb large amounts of co₂. when an animal eats phytoplankton or another animal, carbon from these organisms becomes part of its body.
during respiration, plants and animals release co₂. when a plant or animal decomposes, carbon from its body either sinks to the ocean floor or is released into the water.
how do ocean organisms cycle carbon? select the true statements.
plants and animals release carbon when they decompose.
phytoplankton absorb co₂ during photosynthesis.
animals take in carbon through food consumption.
animals absorb co₂ during respiration.

Explanation:

• For the first statement: The text says "When a plant or animal decomposes, carbon from its body either sinks to the ocean floor or is released into the water", so plants and animals release carbon when they decompose.
• For the second statement: The text clearly states "During photosynthesis, tiny plants called phytoplankton absorb large amounts of \(CO_2\)".
• For the third statement: "When an animal eats phytoplankton or another animal, carbon from these organisms becomes part of its body", which means animals take in carbon through food consumption.
• For the fourth statement: The text says "During respiration, plants and animals release \(CO_2\)", not absorb \(CO_2\).

Answer:

Plants and animals release carbon when they decompose.
Phytoplankton absorb \(CO_2\) during photosynthesis.
Animals take in carbon through food consumption.