Plants produce carbohydrates for themselves through the process of photosynthesis. which cycle is carried out when these carbohydrates are passed on along the food chain to animals and other consumers?

the nitrogen cycle
the phosphorus cycle
the carbon cycle

Ans. The carbon cycle.

Carbon cycle can be defined as a series of processes through which carbon compounds are interchanged in environment. It involves uptake of carbon as carbon dioxide into living organisms by the process of photosynthesis to make carbohydrates.  

These carbohydrates are passed along the food chain to consumers. The carbon returns to the atmosphere by respiration (by all animals and plants), burning of fossil fuels, and decay of death organisms.

Thus, the correct answer is option). 'the carbon cycle.'