EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Decomposers break apart complex organic materials into more elementary substances: water and carbon dioxide, plus simple compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. All of these components are substances that plants need to grow.

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: -They are consumed by primary consumers, who are then consumed by secondary consumers.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fungi decompose organic matter by releasing enzymes to break down the decaying material, after which they absorb the nutrients in the decaying material.

Detailed explanation-5: -Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead plant and animal wastes in the process of decomposition. During decomposition complex substances are converted into simple inorganic nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen compounds.