The author's contention about the importance of bacteria and fungi in the production of energy for life processes would be most clearly strengthened if which of the following were found to be true? A. Both aerobes and anaerobes provide sources of energy through the decomposition of organic material. B. Most compounds containing carbon are unavailable as energy sources except to some bacteria and fungi. C. Bacteria and fungi break down inert material in ways that do not involve oxidation. D. Many compounds remain inert, even in the presence of bacteria and fungi. E. Bacteria and fungi assist in the synthesis of many organic compounds.