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.
Carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve into the soil.
Carbon atoms from plant and animal waste dissolve 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 dioxide from plant and animal respiration dissolves into the soil.
Carbon dioxide from plant and animal respiration dissolves into the soil.
The majority of carbon is transferred from plants and animals to the soil primarily through decomposition. When plants and animals die, their bodies are broken down by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. This decay process releases various nutrients, including carbon, in the form of organic compounds into the soil. Over time, these compounds can be further transformed by soil microbes and become part of the soil organic carbon pool. Therefore, the most accurate response from the given options is:
The decay of dead organisms releases some carbon atoms from their bodies into the soil.