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. consumption photosynthesis cellular respiration decomposition 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 biosphere to the atmosphere as plants and animals break down carbon - based molecules for energy and release carbon dioxide gas. 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 first description (fungi and bacteria break down dead organisms): Decomposition is the process where decomposers (fungi, bacteria) break down dead organic matter, releasing carbon to geosphere/atmosphere. So match "decomposition".
2. For the second description (animals eat other organisms): Consumption is when animals consume other organisms, moving carbon within the biosphere. So match "consumption".
3. For the third description (plants/animals break down molecules, release CO₂): Cellular respiration is the process where organisms break down carbon - based molecules for energy, releasing CO₂ (carbon to atmosphere from biosphere). So match "cellular respiration".
4. For the fourth description (plants/algae use CO₂ to make molecules): Photosynthesis is when plants/algae take in CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into carbon - based molecules (moving carbon from atmosphere to biosphere). So match "photosynthesis".

Answer:

1. decomposition - Carbon moves from the biosphere to the geosphere and atmosphere as fungi and bacteria break down carbon - based molecules in dead organisms.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.