ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Hence, if decomposers are removed from the ecosystem, then the organic remains will not be converted to minerals that are recycled in the ecosystem. So, the correct answer is ‘Mineral cycle will be stopped’

Detailed explanation-2: -Bacteria in the soil are also decomposers. Imagine what would happen if there were no decomposers. Wastes and the remains of dead organisms would pile up and the nutrients within the waste and dead organisms would not be released back into the ecosystem. Producers would not have enough nutrients.

Detailed explanation-3: -Without decomposers, dead leaves, dead insects, and dead animals would pile up everywhere. Imagine what the world would look like! More importantly, decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers-usually plants and algae.

Detailed explanation-4: -Elimination of decomposers will cause (i) Piling up of excretions, litter and dead bodies of plants and animals. Soon there will be no free space for new generations of (ii) Non-cycling of biogenetic nutrients. As a result all the available biogenetic nutrients will be tied up in organic matter.

Detailed explanation-5: -Back to the Beginning When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. Decomposers or saprotrophs recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, air and water.