Question

carbon is exchanged within the biosphere, as well as between the biosphere, the geosphere, and the atmosphere, via decomposition. decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down organic waste and dead organisms. decomposers are heterotrophs. they obtain food and energy by breaking down carbon - based molecules in organic waste and dead organisms. the process of decomposition releases carbon dioxide gas (co₂) into the atmosphere and other forms of carbon, such as ethanol (c₂h₅oh), into the soils and sediments of the geosphere. select the true statements. decomposers break down the remains of dead heterotrophs, but not dead autotrophs. decomposers obtain energy by breaking down organic waste and dead organisms. carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere and the geosphere during decomposition. decomposers absorb carbon dioxide gas directly from the atmosphere.

Explanation:

1. Decomposers break down remains of both dead heterotrophs and autotrophs, so the first statement is false.
2. The text clearly states that decomposers obtain energy by breaking down organic waste and dead organisms, making the second statement true.
3. The passage mentions carbon is exchanged between biosphere, geosphere and atmosphere during decomposition, so the third statement is true.
4. Decomposers release carbon - dioxide into the atmosphere, not absorb it directly from the atmosphere, so the fourth statement is false.

Answer:

• Decomposers obtain energy by breaking down organic waste and dead organisms.
• Carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere and the geosphere during decomposition.