What process in the carbon cycle occurs when animals consume plants?

The process that occurs when animals consume plants in the carbon cycle is respiration. During respiration, animals take in oxygen and break down the carbohydrates they obtained from plants during consumption, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This carbon dioxide is then returned to the atmosphere, contributing to the ongoing cycle of carbon within ecosystems.

In the broader context of the carbon cycle, this process is essential for maintaining the balance of carbon in the atmosphere. While photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into glucose using sunlight, combustion refers to the burning of organic materials, and decomposition involves the breakdown of dead organic matter, returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere. Each of these processes plays a role in the carbon cycle, but respiration specifically relates to the interaction between animals and the plants they consume.