Question

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

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

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

Answer 1

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

Decomposers (bacteria, fungi, detritivores) break down dead plants and animals and incorporate much of the organic carbon into soil organic matter (humus), while some carbon is also respired as CO2.