Question

what happens to carbon in plants when the plants die?
a the carbon is converted into rocks
b the carbon disappears during decomposition
c the carbon is released into the environment
d the carbon stays in the plants bodies, which do not decompose

Answer 1

When plants die, the carbon in their bodies undergoes a decomposition process. During decomposition, microorganisms break down the plant material, and some of the carbon is released back into the environment in the form of carbon dioxide through respiration. Therefore, the correct answer to your question is:

**c the carbon is released into the environment.**

Some carbon may also become part of the soil organic matter, contributing to soil carbon storage.