AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. They break apart dead organisms into simpler inorganic materials, making nutrients available to primary producers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Decomposers (fungi, bacteria, invertebrates such as worms and insects) have the ability to break down dead organisms into smaller particles and create new compounds.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-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 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.