The primary source of hydrocarbons found in fossil fuels is decomposed organic matter, primarily from ancient plants and marine animals. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transformed this buried organic material into fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These hydrocarbons consist mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms and are integral to energy production and various industrial processes. However, the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels contribute significantly to climate change and environmental degradation, prompting the shift towards renewable energy sources.