EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Organisms that feed on dead and decaying matter are called decomposers or detritivores . They obtain energy and nutrients from breaking down dead materials of plants and animals into simple substances. Examples are worms, insects, bacteria, fungus etc.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -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-4: -When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. 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-5: -Saprotrophs or decomposers include microbes such as bacteria and fungi that decompose the dead remains of plants and animals, to extract nutrients and energy.