Plants in forests take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. They transform the carbon dioxide into plant material. When plants die, their organic matter is often worked into the soil by decomposers. Some of this organic matter remains within the soil and forest floor, and some of it is taken up by other living things. Based on this information, what role do forests play in the carbon cycle?
A.
Forests are carbon sinks because they store carbon.
B.
Forests are carbon sinks because they do not absorb carbon dioxide when plants die.
C.
Forests are carbon sources because they emit carbon.
D.
Forests are carbon sources because they can be burned to emit carbon dioxide.