Organisms contain carbonglossary term (opens in a new window). Sometimes, when an organism dies, the carbon in its body starts to break down. Some of the original material is decayed; however, the carbon also forms a dark coating on top of the dead organism. This preserves the organism’s body as a carbonized fossil. Carbonized organisms can be so well preserved, even details like the patterns or colors of skin or leaves can remain.

How does most of the carbon in an organism's body return to the environment after the organism dies?*2 puntosHeat from the sun causes the carbon in the body to evaporateDecomposers break the body down into simpler compoundsGeological processes cause the body to turn into a fossil fuelRain water dissolves the carbon in the body and carries it to the ocean.

After a long, long time, the carbon from the remains of dead organisms can be stored in:Fossil FuelsWaterRocks

If animals and plants die in conditions where decomposing microorganisms are not present the carbon in their bodies can be converted, over millions of years and significant pressure, into fossil fuels

What is an organism that breaks down wastes and dead organisms called?

Decomposition is a physical and chemical process by which dead organic matter is broken down. Why is decomposition important to life processes?