Question

modeling the carbon cycle quick check
what happens to carbon in plants when the plants die? (1 point)
the carbon is released into the environment.
the carbon disappears during decomposition.
the carbon is converted into rocks.
the carbon stays in the plants bodies, which do not decompose.

Explanation:

When plants die, decomposers break down their organic matter. During this process, carbon is released back into the environment (as carbon dioxide via cellular respiration of decomposers, or as organic compounds that enter soil). Carbon cannot disappear (matter is conserved), it is not directly converted to rocks immediately, and plants do decompose over time so carbon does not stay trapped permanently.

Answer:

A. The carbon is released into the environment.