How is the majority of carbon

transferred from plants and
animals to the soil?

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

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

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

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

1 answer

The majority of carbon is transferred from plants and animals to the soil primarily through the process of decay and decomposition. Therefore, the most accurate answer among the provided options is:

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

This option reflects the process where dead organic matter, including plants and animals, breaks down and releases carbon into the soil, which can then be utilized by soil microorganisms and contribute to the soil carbon pool.