Consumers, or heterotrophs, take in food made by other organisms. Then they break apart the food to release its energy. How do these actions of consumers contribute to the carbon cycle?
A. Eating and breaking apart food converts carbon to other elements.
B. Eating and breaking apart food converts other elements into carbon.
C. Eating food involves taking up carbon dioxide.
D. Eating and breaking apart food releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct.