Can someone explain one path carbon can take through the environment?

This question refers to the carbon cycle, and there are multiple paths carbon can take through the cycle. Here's the most basic one, because I know that one the best xD

1) Plants use carbon dioxide and sunlight to make their own food and grow. The carbon becomes part of the plant.

2) The plants die, and after millions of years, may turn into fossil fuels such as coal.

3) Through mining, humans bring the coal back up through the Earth. When the humans burn fossil fuels, the carbon then enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

4) Repeat! The plants take in the carbon dioxide ...