What happens to carbon in plants when the plants die?
(1 point)
The carbon is converted into rocks.
The carbon stays in the plants' bodies,
which do not decompose.
The carbon disappears during
decomposition.
The carbon is released into the
environment.
The carbon is released into the environment.
The carbon in plants is released into the environment when the plants die.
The correct answer is: The carbon is released into the environment.
When plants die, the carbon they contain is released into the environment through the process of decomposition. Decomposition is the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These decomposers break down the plant material, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) back into the atmosphere. This process is part of the carbon cycle, where carbon is continuously exchanged between living organisms, the atmosphere, and the Earth's surface.