AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Worms are part of a special group of species that eat dead or decaying organic matter. They are called decomposers. Decomposers are very important in our food chain, because they recycle the energy, and help us to start all over again!

Detailed explanation-2: -While decomposers break down dead, organic materials, detritivores-like millipedes, earthworms, and termites-eat dead organisms and wastes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Earthworms are animal decomposers that eat dead plants and animals. When they eat, they take in nutrients from microorganisms as well as soil and tiny pebbles. Worms then deposit wastes that are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that helps the soil.

Detailed explanation-4: -Earthworms are also scavengers, but they only break down plants. Once a scavenger is done, the decomposers take over, and finish the job. Many kinds of decomposers are microscopic, meaning that they can’t be seen without a microscope. Others, like fungi, can be seen.