Which Organisms Form the Foundation of the Carbon Cycle

Question

Which organisms form the foundation of the carbon cycle?
A) anaerobic chemolithotrophs
B) chemoheterotrophs
C) chemoorganotrophs
D) phototrophs

Accepted Answer

Phototrophs, specifically photosynthetic organisms like plants and algae, are the primary producers that form the foundation of the carbon cycle by converting inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic carbon compounds through photosynthesis. This organic carbon is then passed on through the food web to other organisms, eventually being broken down and recycled back into the environment through processes like respiration and decomposition. While chemolithotrophs and chemoheterotrophs also play important roles in certain aspects of the carbon cycle, they are not the primary producers that form the foundation of the cycle.