EVERYDAY SCIENCE

SCIENCE

ECOLOGY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What are organisms that get their energy by breaking down dead organisms and are responsible for returning nutrients to the soil?
A
Autotroph
B
Decomposers
C
Scavengers
D
Carnivores
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. They break apart dead organisms into simpler inorganic materials, making nutrients available to primary producers.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -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-4: -Fungi decompose organic matter by releasing enzymes to break down the decaying material, after which they absorb the nutrients in the decaying material. Hyphae are used to break down matter and absorb nutrients and are also used in reproduction.

Detailed explanation-5: -Explanation: Decomposers play a vital role in keeping the food chain functioning properly. As decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and produce waste, nutrients are recycled back into the soil for producers (plants) to absorb through their roots.

There is 1 question to complete.