Question

why are carbon and nitrogen essential for survival to all living organisms?

they are needed to release the energy stored in food.

they supply the energy needed for living processes.

they provide materials organisms need to build their bodies.

they ensure that matter only moves within a nonliving environment.

Explanation:

Carbon is the backbone of all organic molecules (like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids) that form the structure and carry out functions of living organisms. Nitrogen is a key component of proteins, nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), and other critical biological molecules. These elements do not directly supply or release energy (that role is primarily from molecules like ATP or food nutrients), and they cycle between living and nonliving environments, not staying only in nonliving ones.

Answer:

They provide materials organisms need to build their bodies.