AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Decomposers break apart complex organic materials into more elementary substances: water and carbon dioxide, plus simple compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. All of these components are substances that plants need to grow.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Saprotrophs or decomposers include bacteria and fungi. They gain energy and nutrients by breaking down the dead remains of plants and animals into simpler organic and inorganic matter. These simpler coumpounds are eventually used up by plants (autotrophs) for their growth.

Detailed explanation-4: -Decomposers: Detritivores and Saprotrophs Decomposers are a group of organisms that essentially break down decaying organic matter. There are two major groups that make up the decomposers: detritivores that feed on dead matter and saprotrophs.

Detailed explanation-5: -When a plant or animal dies, it leaves behind nutrients and energy in the organic material that formed its body structure. Decomposers eventually convert all organic matter into carbon dioxide and nutrients. Was this answer helpful?