How does carbon dioxide get back into the atmosphere? It is released by plants and animals through the process of cellular respiration. It is released by solid waste excreted by animals. It is released by plants through the process of photosynthesis

## Step 1<br />The question is asking about the process through which carbon dioxide (CO2) is returned to the atmosphere. The options provided are:<br />1. It is released by plants and animals through the process of cellular respiration.<br />2. It is released by solid waste excreted by animals.<br />3. It is released by plants through the process of photosynthesis.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The first option is correct. During cellular respiration, both plants and animals break down glucose and other molecules from food in the presence of oxygen, producing energy, water, and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is then released back into the atmosphere.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The second option is incorrect. Solid waste excreted by animals does not release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Instead, it is broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen, a process known as anaerobic respiration, which produces methane, not carbon dioxide.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The third option is also incorrect. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it, along with water and sunlight, to produce glucose and oxygen. This process actually removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, not adds it.