AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Decomposers, also known as saprobes or saprophytes or mineralisers, are certain bacteria and fungi that release minerals trapped in organic matter or organic remains. For example, Mushrooms and moulds, which are the largest decomposers of forest floor.

Detailed explanation-2: -They include fungi along with invertebrate organisms sometimes called detritivores, which include earthworms, termites, and millipedes. Fungi are important decomposers, especially in forests.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mushrooms help to decompose dead organisms allowing the decaying material to go back into the food web. This means they are a type of consumer called a decomposer (organisms that consume dead organisms by helping with the process of decomposition or decay).

Detailed explanation-4: -Fungi like mushrooms, mildew, mold and toadstools are not plants. They don’t have chlorophyll so they can’t make their own food. Fungi release enzymes that decompose dead plants and animals. Fungi absorb nutrients from the organisms they are decomposing!