Question

plants and animals also release carbon into the environment.
during respiration, plants and animals break down glucose and release carbon dioxide (co₂)
into the atmosphere. plants release co₂ and other gases through small holes in their leaves.
animals release co₂ and other gases when they breathe out.
when a plant or animal dies and decomposes, or breaks down, some of the carbon from its
body is either released underground or into the atmosphere as co₂.
diagram showing the carbon cycle with a tree, squirrel, coyote, sun, and labels like photosynthesis, respiration, food consumption, death and decomposition, decomposition
use the diagram to complete the sentences.
squirrels, coyotes, and plants release co₂ during blank, but only plants
absorb co₂ during blank. when a plant or animal dies, co₂ is
blank as it decomposes.

Explanation:

• The text mentions that during respiration, plants and animals release \(CO_2\).
• It also states that plants absorb \(CO_2\) during photosynthesis.
• When a plant or animal dies and decomposes, \(CO_2\) is released.

Answer:

Squirrels, coyotes, and plants release \(CO_2\) during respiration, but only plants absorb \(CO_2\) during photosynthesis. When a plant or animal dies, \(CO_2\) is released as it decomposes.