LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Fungi release chemicals to break down dead plants or animals into simple substances. They absorb some of these substances for growth, but others enter the soil. Earthworms digest rotting plant and animal matter as they swallow soil.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Fungi like mushrooms, mildew, mold and toadstools are not plants. They don’t have chlorophyll so they can’t make their own food. Fungi release enzymes that decompose dead plants and animals. Fungi absorb nutrients from the organisms they are decomposing!

Detailed explanation-4: -Fungi are the major decomposers of nature; they break down organic matter which would otherwise not be recycled.