AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -While decomposers break down dead, organic materials, detritivores-like millipedes, earthworms, and termites-eat dead organisms and wastes. When you have an empty bottle, do you recycle it so the plastic or glass can be used again? Nature has its own recycling system: a group of organisms called decomposers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Organisms that break down wastes and dead organisms and return the raw materials to the environment are called decomposers. As decomposers obtain energy for their own needs, they return simple molecules to the environment to be used again by other organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Decomposers (Figure below) get nutrients and energy by breaking down dead organisms and animal wastes. Through this process, decomposers release nutrients, such as carbon and nitrogen, back into the environment. These nutrients are recycled back into the ecosystem so that the producers can use them.

Detailed explanation-4: -Decomposers are also called saptrotrophs. They show saprotrophic mode of nutrition i.e. they feed on dead and decaying matters. For example, bacteria, fungi, etc. Autotrophs are producers which include plants. Phagotrophs or heterotrophs are consumers who depend on plants and animals for their nutrition.

Detailed explanation-5: -In the carbon cycle, decomposers break down dead material from plants and other organisms and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, where it’s available to plants for photosynthesis.