Question

What happens to the carbon in an organisms body after it dies?

Answer 1

The animals and plants eventually die. Decomposers break down the dead organisms and return the carbon in their bodies to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide by respiration. In some conditions, decomposition is blocked. The plant and animal material may then be available as fossil fuel in the future for combustion.

Answer 2

Decomposers break down the dead organisms and return the carbon in there bodies to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide