Which element is the basis for all living things and can combine with other elements in many ways?

a. phosphorus
b. carbon
c. oxygen
d. sulfur

The correct answer is alternative B: carbon.

Although many people think oxygen is the most important element to living things, the actual answer would be carbon. This is because the carbon is the one that serves as a greenhouse to our atmosphere keeping the planet heated, and preventing it from being inhospitably cold.

Many living things don't even need oxygen, while all of them need carbon. Carbon can also be combined with many other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and many others.

rain should be the answer.