NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -Most decomposers are microscopic organisms, including protozoa and bacteria. Other decomposers are big enough to see without a microscope. They include fungi along with invertebrate organisms sometimes called detritivores, which include earthworms, termites, and millipedes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Saprotrophs are organisms that break down dead matter. Examples of decomposers: fungi, bacteria, earthworms, insects. Examples of detritivores: millipedes, earthworms, crabs, flies, etc. Examples of saprotrophs: fungi and bacteria.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nitrogen is returned to the atmosphere by the activity of organisms known as decomposers. Some bacteria are decomposers and break down the complex nitrogen compounds in dead organisms and animal wastes. This returns simple nitrogen compounds to the soil where they can be used by plants to produce more nitrates.

Detailed explanation-5: -Lesson Summary. Most fungi are decomposers called saprotrophs. They feed on decaying organic matter and return nutrients to the soil for plants to use. Fungi are the only decomposers that can break down wood and the cellulose in plant cell walls, so they are the primary decomposers in forests.