What term refers to the movement of carbon from the nonliving environment into living things and back?

The term that refers to the movement of carbon from the nonliving environment into living things and back is the Carbon Cycle. This process involves a series of steps that encompass the transformation and exchange of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

In the carbon cycle, carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, allowing them to convert carbon into organic matter. These plants are then consumed by animals, which incorporate carbon into their bodies. When living organisms die and decompose, carbon is released back into the soil and atmosphere, completing the cycle. This movement is fundamental to maintaining the balance of carbon in ecosystems and is critical for the health of our planet, influencing climate, and supporting life.

In contrast, the other options refer to different biological and chemical cycles. Photosynthesis specifically describes the process by which plants capture sunlight to produce energy and organic matter but does not encompass the entire journey of carbon. The Nitrogen Cycle focuses on the transformation of nitrogen in various forms in ecosystems, while the Hydrological Cycle relates to the movement of water through different states and locations on Earth.