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 absorb carbon dioxide gas directly from the atmosphere. decomposers break down the remains of dead heterotrophs, but not dead autotrophs. carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere and the geosphere during decomposition. decomposers obtain energy by breaking down organic waste and dead organisms.

Explanation:

1. Decomposers release carbon - dioxide, not absorb it directly from the atmosphere. So the first statement is false.
2. Decomposers break down remains of both dead heterotrophs and dead autotrophs. So the second statement is false.
3. As stated in the text, during decomposition, carbon moves from the biosphere to the atmosphere (as $CO_2$) and to the geosphere (as other forms like ethanol). So the third statement is true.
4. The text clearly mentions that decomposers obtain energy by breaking down organic waste and dead organisms. So the fourth statement is true.

Answer:

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