What process do trees primarily use to absorb carbon dioxide?

Trees primarily use photosynthesis to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. During this process, trees take in carbon dioxide through small openings in their leaves known as stomata. In the presence of sunlight, they convert this carbon dioxide, along with water absorbed by their roots, into glucose and oxygen. The glucose produced is essential for the tree’s growth and energy needs, while oxygen is released back into the atmosphere as a byproduct.

Transpiration, while related, primarily refers to the movement of water within a plant and the subsequent evaporation of water from the leaves. Respiration is the process by which trees, like all living organisms, use glucose and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Evaporation refers to the process where liquid water turns into vapor, which is not directly involved in the absorption of carbon dioxide. Thus, photosynthesis is the correct answer because it directly describes the efficient mechanism by which trees capture carbon dioxide and contribute to the carbon cycle.