AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Fungi like mushrooms, mildew, mold, etc., release enzymes that decompose dead plants and animals. They feed on these organisms and absorb nutrients from them.

Detailed explanation-2: -Indeed, even the common grocery store mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (often marketed as “White Button, ” “Cremini, ” or “Portobello”) is a decomposer.

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: -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.

Detailed explanation-5: -Bacteria and fungi are called decomposer because they break down the dead and decaying organic matter into a simpler substance.