What happens to the energy in top carnivores when they die?

When top carnivores die, their bodies decompose, and the energy stored in their tissues is released back into the ecosystem. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the organic matter, converting it into nutrients that enrich the soil. This process supports plant growth, which in turn sustains herbivores and, ultimately, the entire food web. Thus, the energy initially captured by the carnivores contributes to the broader cycle of energy flow in the ecosystem.