How is the majority of carbon transferred from plants and animals to the soil? (1 point)

Question

Responses

Carbon dioxide from plant and animal respiration dissolves into the soil.
Carbon dioxide from plant and animal respiration dissolves into the soil.

The decay of dead organisms releases some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil.
The decay of dead organisms releases some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil.

Carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve into the soil.
Carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve into the soil.

The decay of dead organisms releases carbon dioxide from their bodies into the soil.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The decay of dead organisms releases some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil.

This process, known as decomposition, involves microorganisms breaking down the organic matter in dead plants and animals, returning carbon in various forms to the soil.