Final answer:
The carbon in dead organisms is reincorporated into other organisms, released back into the atmosphere as CO2, and can become part of the soil; hence, all of the above choices are correct as these are pathways in the carbon cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
When living organisms die, carbon in their bodies can take several paths as part of the carbon cycle. A) It is incorporated into other organisms through the process of decomposition, where decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down the dead matter, releasing nutrients, including carbon, which can then be taken up by plants. B) It is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) through respiration by decomposers and the decay process. C) It is incorporated into the soil when parts of the decaying organism become soil organic matter, enriching the soil with carbon compounds. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is D) all of the above because carbon from dead organisms can follow multiple pathways, contributing to the carbon cycle in various forms.