How does the release of carbon dioxide by microorganisms benefit plant life?

• A. It inhibits the growth of plant pathogens.
• B. It directly supplies nitrogen to plant roots.
• C. It increases soil acidity, which enhances nutrient uptake by plants.
• D. It provides a necessary reactant for photosynthesis in plants.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of carbon dioxide (CO\_2) in the environment, particularly in relation to plants and microorganisms.
2. Recall that plants use CO\_2 as a key reactant in the process of photosynthesis, where they convert light energy into chemical energy.
3. Recognize that microorganisms release CO\_2 as a byproduct of their metabolic activities, such as respiration and decomposition of organic matter.
4. Connect the release of CO\_2 by microorganisms to its availability in the soil and atmosphere, which plants then use for photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that the benefit to plant life is that microbial CO\_2 provides the necessary carbon source for photosynthesis, supporting plant growth and energy production.