In 1995, after being locally extinct for over 70 years, wolves were reintroduced

Question

In 1995, after being locally extinct for over 70 years, wolves were reintroduced to the park. Over the next several years, wolves spread through the part and established several new packs. Wolves primary prey are elk, but they also eat bison, mule deer, and coyotes. Suppose that a wolf dies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and all the carbon in its body becomes available. Where does a typical carbon atom from the wolf go once it is released from the wolf? The carbon in the wolf's body will naturally degrade. Decomposers consume carbon from the wolf's body and release the carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Soil microbes make that carbon available for plants to take up through their roots. The organic carbon becomes inorganic and stays in the soil.

Explanation / Answer

Answer: Decomposers consume carbon from the wolf's body and release the carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (As explained below)

The second option 2 is correct because the decomposers use the carbon form the dead body for their own survival and growth and this carbon is then released to the atmosphere through cellular respiration.

The other options are incorrect because carbon does not degrade so easily of its own and carbon from atmosphere is transferred to soil by the carbon-fixing autotrophic bacteria.

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