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Multiple Choice
How do consumers obtain the carbon that they need for their life processes?
A
By consuming other organisms
B
By absorbing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere
C
By converting inorganic carbon into organic carbon
D
By photosynthesis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of consumers in an ecosystem. Consumers are organisms that obtain their energy and nutrients by eating other organisms, rather than producing their own food like producers (e.g., plants).
Recognize that consumers obtain carbon by consuming other organisms. This is because the carbon is stored in the organic molecules of the organisms they eat.
Consider the process of digestion in consumers. When consumers eat other organisms, they break down the organic molecules to release carbon, which is then used for their life processes.
Differentiate between consumers and producers. Producers, such as plants, obtain carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into organic carbon through photosynthesis.
Clarify that consumers do not absorb carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere or perform photosynthesis. These processes are characteristic of producers, not consumers.