EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Microbes like bacteria, fungi etc., break down the complex wastes into useful compounds. It is a natural process and this process is known as biodegradation or decomposition. Micro-organisms that break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like water, carbon dioxide and nutrients are called decomposers.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bacteria break down (or decompose) dead organisms, animal waste, and plant litter to obtain nutrients.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-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: -Decomposition is a complex process. Organic matter is broken down into carbon dioxide and the mineral forms of nutrients like nitrogen. It is also converted into fungi and bacteria through these organisms feeding on the organic material and reproducing.