Question
Which statements accurately describe the roles of decomposers in the carbon cycle? Select three options. D Decomposers release carbon dioxide into the air as waste. Decomposers remove carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis. Decomposers break down the remains of dead plants and animals. D Decomposers return carbon compounds to the soil. D Decomposers use carbon to make food molecules.
Answer
4.7
(264 Votes)
Mia
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
A, C, D
Explanation
In the context of the carbon cycle, decomposers have several primary roles. First, decomposers such as bacteria and fungi indeed break down the remains of dead plants and animals, during which process, carbon in their cells is released back into the environment. Secondly,. They also convert the organic carbon in the dead organisms into carbon dioxide by respiration and release it into the air (known as atmospheric carbon). Finally, decomposers return carbon compounds back to the soil as they break down dead matter. This is important as these compounds are vital for healthy soil chemistry and the growth of new plant life. At the same time, it's important to note that decomposers cannot remove carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis as only plants do photosynthesis. Moreover, decomposers also don’t use carbon to make food molecules.