AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Most decomposers are microscopic organisms, including protozoa and bacteria. Other decomposers are big enough to see without a microscope. They include fungi along with invertebrate organisms sometimes called detritivores, which include earthworms, termites, and millipedes.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fungi release enzymes that decompose dead plants and animals. Fungi absorb nutrients from the organisms they are decomposing! There are over 50, 000 species of fungi. Most fungi are very, very small!

Detailed explanation-4: -A decomposer is an organism that decomposes, or breaks down, organic material such as the remains of dead organisms. Decomposers include bacteria and fungi. These organisms carry out the process of decomposition, which all living organisms undergo after death.

Detailed explanation-5: -Decomposers (fungi, bacteria, invertebrates such as worms and insects) have the ability to break down dead organisms into smaller particles and create new compounds. We use decomposers to restore the natural nutrient cycle through controlled composting.