Question

how does phosphorus return to soil or water after it has been absorbed by plants and anim

decomposers break down tissue after the death of the plant or animal and convert the phosphorus
can be returned to soil and water

decomposers break down tissue after the death of the plant or animal and convert the phosphorus
be returned to the atmosphere

phosphorus is not broken down and does not return to the cycle

Explanation:

Decomposers play a crucial role in the phosphorus cycle. When plants or animals die, decomposers break down their tissues. Phosphorus is a mineral that is not gaseous under normal conditions (unlike carbon which can be released as \(CO_2\) to the atmosphere). So, decomposers convert the phosphorus in dead plant/animal tissue into forms that can return to soil or water (not to the atmosphere). And phosphorus is part of biogeochemical cycles, so it does return (contrary to the third option).

Answer:

decomposers break down tissue after the death of the plant or animal and convert the phosphorus can be returned to soil and water