How does the carbon stored in the bodies of living organisms move into rocks?

Question

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

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

Living organisms decay and become fossils fuels, which eventually become rocks.

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

Answer 1

The movement of carbon stored in the bodies of living organisms into rocks primarily occurs through the process of decay and fossilization, which relates to the following option:

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

Here's a brief explanation of how this process works:

1. Decay: When living organisms die, their bodies decompose through the action of bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers. This process releases carbon back into the environment in the form of carbon dioxide and methane, but some organic material may be preserved.

2. Fossilization: Under certain conditions, particularly in sedimentary environments, the organic material can become buried under layers of sediment. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transform this organic matter into fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, or natural gas).

3. Formation of Rocks: Over geological time, fossil fuels and other organic matter can be further transformed under increased heat and pressure, leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks like shale or other types of rock that may encase fossil fuels.

While the other options you listed touch upon aspects of the carbon cycle, the most direct route for carbon from living organisms into rock is through decay and fossilization.