What happens to carbon in plants when the plants die?
O The carbon is not released; it is lost.
O The carbon is released into the soil for use by the next generation.
O The carbon is released into the soil, but it is not used again.
O The carbon is released into the air.
The correct answer is: The carbon is released into the air.
To answer this question, we need to understand the process of carbon cycling in plants. When plants die, the fate of carbon in their tissues depends on a few factors.
When plants die, they undergo decomposition, a process in which the organic matter breaks down. During decomposition, microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, feed on the dead plant material. These microorganisms release enzymes that break down the complex organic molecules in the plants into simpler compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
The correct answer to the question is:
O The carbon is released into the air.
When plants decompose, the carbon stored in their tissues is predominantly released as carbon dioxide through the process of respiration by the decomposers. This carbon dioxide then enters the atmosphere, contributing to the carbon cycle. Some carbon may also be released as methane (CH4), especially in wet or waterlogged environments.
It is important to note that a portion of the carbon in the dead plant material can be retained in the soil. This occurs when some of the decomposed organic matter is incorporated into the soil's organic carbon pool, which can be used by other plants or microorganisms in the future. However, the majority of the carbon from the dead plants is released into the air as carbon dioxide.
By understanding the process of decomposition and the release of carbon dioxide from decaying plants, we can deduce that the correct answer is "O The carbon is released into the air."
O The carbon is released into the air and is used again by plants.
Answer: The carbon is released into the air and is used again by plants.