Question

1. all plants and animals are made of carbon. why is the decomposition of plants and animals important to the cycle? (hint: what would happen to the carbon in plants and animals if there were no decomposers?) 5. how have humans impacted the carbon cycle?

Explanation:

1. Decomposers break down dead plants and animals, releasing carbon back into the environment. Without them, carbon would be trapped in organic matter, disrupting the carbon - cycle.
2. Humans impact the carbon cycle through activities like burning fossil fuels (releasing large amounts of stored carbon), deforestation (reducing plants' ability to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis), and industrial processes.

Answer:

1. Decomposers recycle carbon from dead plants and animals back into the environment. Without them, carbon would accumulate in organic matter, halting the carbon - cycle.
2. Humans burn fossil fuels, deforest, and engage in industrial processes, increasing carbon dioxide levels and disrupting the carbon cycle.