Multiple Choice
You are tasked with restoring a degraded ecosystem that has experienced a shortage of nitrogen. Which of the following steps could you take?
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52. Ecosystems
Biogeochemical Cycles
Multiple Choice
How do decomposers contribute to the carbon cycle?
A
They convert carbon dioxide into organic matter through photosynthesis.
B
They store carbon in the form of fossil fuels.
C
They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen.
D
They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by breaking down dead organisms.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of decomposers: Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
Identify the process involved: Decomposers break down complex organic compounds in dead organisms into simpler substances, a process known as decomposition.
Connect decomposition to the carbon cycle: During decomposition, decomposers release carbon dioxide (CO2) back into the atmosphere as a byproduct of breaking down organic matter.
Clarify the misconception: Unlike plants, decomposers do not perform photosynthesis, so they do not convert carbon dioxide into organic matter or oxygen.
Summarize the contribution: Decomposers play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by recycling carbon from dead organisms back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, maintaining the balance of carbon in the ecosystem.
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