EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Imagine what would happen if there were no decomposers. Wastes and the remains of dead organisms would pile up and the nutrients within the waste and dead organisms would not be released back into the ecosystem. Producers would not have enough nutrients.

Detailed explanation-2: -Correct answer: If decomposers were removed from a food chain, there would be a break down in the flow of matter and energy. Waste and dead organisms would pile up. Producers would not have enough nutrients because, within the waste and dead organisms, nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-3: -Without decomposers, dead leaves, dead insects, and dead animals would pile up everywhere. Imagine what the world would look like! More importantly, decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers-usually plants and algae.

Detailed explanation-4: -Ecosystems require constant inputs of energy from sunlight or chemicals. Producers use energy and inorganic molecules to make food. Consumers take in food by eating producers or other living things. Decomposers break down dead organisms and other organic wastes and release inorganic molecules back to the environment.