Question

which statements accurately describe the roles of decomposers in the carbon cycle? select three options. decomposers release carbon dioxide into the air as waste. decomposers remove carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis. decomposers break down the remains of dead plants and animals. decomposers return carbon compounds to the soil. decomposers use carbon to make food molecules.

Explanation:

• Decomposers break down dead organisms. As they do this, they release carbon dioxide (through respiration) and return carbon compounds to the soil.
• Photosynthesis (removing carbon dioxide from the air to make food molecules) is done by producers (like plants), not decomposers.

Answer:

• Decomposers release carbon dioxide into the air as waste.
• Decomposers break down the remains of dead plants and animals.
• Decomposers return carbon compounds to the soil.