What is the primary input of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems?

In terrestrial ecosystems, the primary input of carbon is photosynthesis. During this process, plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds, primarily in the form of glucose, using sunlight as the energy source. This essential process not only provides the organic material that forms the basis of food webs but also contributes to the carbon cycle by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby acting as a major carbon sink.

Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth, as it forms the foundation of energy flow in ecosystems. The organic compounds generated during photosynthesis are then utilized by various organisms, ranging from herbivores to carnivores, as sources of energy and building blocks for growth and reproduction. This primary input of carbon is vital for sustaining ecological balance and carbon cycling within terrestrial environments.