Question

How does the carbon stored in the bodies of living organisms move into rocks? (1 point)

A) Living organisms decay, releasing carbon into the soil, and soil is compacted into rocks.

B) Living organisms decay and become fossil fuels, which eventually become rocks.

C) Carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean water and is slowly absorbed by rocks in the ocean.

D) Carbon dioxide released through respiration dissolves in certain rocks like limestone.

Answer 1

A

When organisms die their carbon can be buried in sediments or soil. Over long time periods burial, compaction and lithification turn that buried organic material into sedimentary rock (e.g., coal) or carbonate rocks from shelly remains.