In a forest ecosystem, carbon is cycled through various processes. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it as biomass. Herbivores and carnivores consume this biomass, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration. When plants and animals die, decomposers break down the organic matter, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere.

Which organisms play a crucial role in returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere after the death of plants and animals?

Group of answer choices

Decomposers

None of these

Apex predators

Herbivores

Carnivores

Primary producers