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Multiple Choice
How do animals obtain carbon for their metabolic processes?
A
By performing photosynthesis
B
By converting sunlight into chemical energy
C
By directly absorbing carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) from the atmosphere
D
By consuming organic molecules from other organisms
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that animals are heterotrophs, meaning they cannot produce their own food and must obtain organic molecules from external sources.
Recognize that animals do not perform photosynthesis, as they lack chloroplasts and the necessary pigments like chlorophyll to convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Clarify that animals cannot directly absorb carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) from the atmosphere for metabolic processes, as this is a characteristic of autotrophs like plants and algae.
Learn that animals obtain carbon by consuming organic molecules (such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) from other organisms, either by eating plants or other animals.
Understand that these organic molecules are broken down during cellular respiration to release energy and provide carbon for building cellular structures and metabolic processes.