bacteria add carbon to the carbon cycle by
a ) decomposing dead organisms
b ) performing photosynthesis
c ) being consumed by larger organisms such as plankton
d ) exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen gases
a) decomposing dead organisms
Bacteria play a critical role in the carbon cycle by decomposing dead organic matter. When organisms die, their bodies contain carbon, which is released back into the environment when bacteria break down their remains. This process is called decomposition, and it is an important step in recycling carbon back into the atmosphere or soil.