Which of the following correctly describes the importance of the carbon cycle? to recycle oxygen-based compounds to replenish nitrogen in the atmosphere to decompose dead plant matter to replenish gases required by plants

 To decompose dead plant matter

The series of processes by which carbon is interconverted into different forms in the physical and living environment. This includes the utilization of carbon dioxide by the plants in photosynthesis, it's return to the atmosphere through respiration by the organisms and by the burning of the fossil fuels.

The dead and decaying plant matter is a rich source of organic matter which consists of carbon as a chief ingredient. The decomposition process involves the break down of the dead and decaying matter into simper particles and nutrients easily absorbed by the plants and carbon dioxide gas is liberated to the atmosphere. This released out carbon dioxide becomes the part of the carbon cycle and it is absorbed by the plants from the atmosphere to conduct photosynthesis.