Arrange the following in order of decreasing connotation: Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

In decreasing connotation the order runs Quark, Proton, Atom, Molecule.

Connotation, or intension, is the set of defining attributes, and it grows as a term becomes more specific and constituent.

A quark is the most fundamental constituent here, so it carries the richest set of defining attributes.

A proton is built from quarks, an atom from protons and other particles, and a molecule from atoms, each successive term being broader.

Moving from the most constituent to the most composite lowers connotation step by step, giving Quark, Proton, Atom, Molecule.