Respiration is the process in which organisms break down food to release
a. energy
c. sugar
b. nutrients
d. oxygen

The best answer is A.

Respiration is the biochemical process in which the cells of an organism obtain energy by combining glucose  and oxygen which results in the formation of ATP and water and release of carbon dioxide.

Respiration occurs in three stages namely:

1. Glycolysis

2. Citric acid cycle

3. Electron transport chain.

By the time these three processes are complete, at least 36  to 38 molecules of ATP will have been generated from just one molecule of glucose.

a. decomposes use carbon from dead organisms as fuel for cellular respiration, returning carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

as the gila monster consumes the eggs or young of the desert cottontail and gambel's quail, thus its main food supply is only accessible for a restricted time duration every year. however, for this, the gila monsters exhibit three adaptations, which elevate their survival rate in the desert condition.  

first, is that they possess huge bodies, and can consume greater concentrations of food during a small period. secondly, they require to feed infrequently as they can accumulate fat in their tails. ultimately, their rate of metabolism is very low, so that they can burn their reservoirs of fat gradually.