Imagine following a single carbon atom through the carbon cycle. Which of the following is a possible path for the carbon atom to take?

a. The atmosphere; a decomposer; a higher-level consumer; then back to the atmosphere.

b. The atmosphere; a plant; a higher-level consumer; then back to the atmosphere.

c. The atmosphere, a plant, a herbivore, a decomposer, then back to the atmosphere.

d. The atmosphere; a decomposer; then back to the atmosphere.

e. The atmosphere; a plant; an herbivore; another plant; then back to the atmosphere.

c. The atmosphere, a plant, a herbivore, a decomposer, then back to the atmosphere.

Explanation:

The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle through which carbon is exchanged between the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and Earth's atmosphere. Together with the nitrogen cycle and the water cycle, the carbon cycle comprises a sequence of events that is key to making the Earth capable of sustaining life; describes the movement of carbon when it is recycled and reused by the biosphere, including carbon sinks.

A single carbon atom would more likely go from the atmosphere through being absorbed by a plant and, later, it would enter into the organism of a herbivore that eats the plant. After the herbivore dies, the carbon atom would enter into the organism of a decomposer that would expel it back again into the atmosphere.