AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Fungi are important decomposers, especially in forests. Some kinds of fungi, such as mushrooms, look like plants. But fungi do not contain chlorophyll, the pigment that green plants use to make their own food with the energy of sunlight.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bacteria and fungi are called decomposer because they break down the dead and decaying organic matter into a simpler substance. It provides the nutrients back to the soil.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pleurocybella porrigens, a species that causes white rot in conifers. Mushrooms that get their nutrients by digesting dead or decaying organic matter such as leaves, pine needles, and wood are known as saprobes.

Detailed explanation-4: -The micro-organisms that decompose/ convert the dead remains of plants and animals to humus are called decomposers. The two common examples of decomposers are bacteria and fungi.