EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The micro-organisms which convert the dead plants and animals to humus are known as decomposers. Examples: Fungi and Bacteria. Decomposers recycle and convert the dead matter into humus which mixes with forest soil and provides necessary nutrients to plants.

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: -Fungi and bacteria are not restricted to decomposing leaves and other plant materials. They will decompose any dead organic matter, whether it is a cardboard box, paint, glue, pair of jeans, a leather jacket or jet fuel.

Detailed explanation-4: -These two factors make fungi the primary decomposers in forests, where litter has high concentrations of lignin and often occurs in large pieces. 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: -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.