AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Millipede Detritivore . While decomposers break down dead, organic materials, detritivores-like millipedes, earthworms, and termites-eat dead organisms and wastes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Different decomposers Fungi release chemicals to break down dead plants or animals into simple substances. They absorb some of these substances for growth, but others enter the soil. Earthworms digest rotting plant and animal matter as they swallow soil.

Detailed explanation-3: -Decomposition: The action or process of breaking down; the rotting or decaying of plant or animal matter.

Detailed explanation-4: -Examples of decomposers are fungi and bacteria that obtain their nutrients from a dead plant or animal material. They break down the cells of dead organisms into simpler substances, which become organic nutrients available to the ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-5: -Decomposers and scavengers break down dead plants and animals. They also break down the waste (poop) of other organisms. Decomposers are very important for any ecosystem. If they weren’t in the ecosystem, the plants would not get essential nutrients, and dead matter and waste would pile up.