Chapter 20.1, Problem 2MI

Summary Introduction

To state:

The definition of the term decomposer.

Introduction:

An ecosystem, some organisms make their food using non-living things are called producers and those organisms feed on other organisms are consumers and some organisms such as fungi and bacteria rely for food on dead and decaying materials are called decomposers

Explanation of Solution

Decomposers are the saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria that breakdown of dead and decaying complex materials into simple soluble nutrients and they return nutrients from dead organic matter back into the soil. Thus, they recycle molecular building blocks into the environment. They are cleaner on the Earth as they decompose the dead plants and animals. They provide space for new being in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

Conclusion

Decomposers are organisms which thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter and help in recycling nutrients to be reused by plants.