How is the majority of carbon transferred from plants and animals to the soil?

Question

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. carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve into the soil
d. the decay of dead organisms release some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil

Answer 1

The majority of carbon transfer from plants and animals to the soil occurs through a. the decay of dead organisms releases carbon dioxide from their bodies into the soil.

In this process, decomposers break down dead plant and animal matter, which releases carbon in the form of carbon dioxide, as well as other organic compounds that can contribute to the soil carbon content. This is a significant part of the carbon cycle.