What happens to carbon in plants when the plants die? (1 point) The carbon is released into the environment. The carbon is converted into rocks. The carbon disappears during decomposition. The carbon stays in the plants' bodies, which do not decompose.

When plants die, the carbon stored in their tissues is released back into the environment primarily through the process of decomposition. Microorganisms, fungi, and detritivores break down the plant materials, releasing carbon dioxide and methane back into the atmosphere as they metabolize organic matter. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, helping to maintain ecological balance. Additionally, some carbon is sequestered in the soil as organic matter, contributing to soil health and fertility. If conditions are right, such as waterlogged environments, some carbon can be stored in the form of peat, effectively locking it away for thousands of years. So, while some carbon escapes into the atmosphere, a portion gets captured in the earth, highlighting a fascinating cycle of life and death in ecosystems!