Question

through which activity do animals get the carbon that is needed for their bodies?
eating
breathing
running
sleeping

Explanation:

Animals obtain carbon through eating. Plants (or other organisms) have carbon compounds (like carbohydrates, proteins, etc.). When animals consume these, they take in the carbon - containing molecules which are then used for various body functions such as growth, repair, and energy production. Breathing involves taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide (so it's more about gas exchange rather than carbon intake for body building). Running and sleeping are activities that use energy (which may have been derived from carbon - containing molecules obtained earlier through eating, but these activities themselves are not the source of carbon for the body).

Answer:

eating