Where does carbon in animals come from?

Carbon in animals primarily comes from the food they consume, which is derived from plants and other organisms. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, converting it into organic compounds like carbohydrates. When animals eat these plants or other animals, they assimilate the carbon into their own bodies, forming the building blocks of proteins, fats, and other biomolecules. Thus, the carbon cycle connects the atmosphere, plants, and animals through food chains.