AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Thanks to decomposers, nutrients get added back to the soil or water, so the producers can use them to grow and reproduce. Most decomposers are microscopic organisms, including protozoa and bacteria.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -The decomposers complete the cycle by returning essential molecules to the plant producers. 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-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.