Question

Decomposers play an important role in the ecosystem by degrading the dead organic matter. What will be the possible effect if they are removed from the ecosystem?

• A. Minerals will be trapped in the dead organisms
• B. Herbivores will not receive solar energy
• C. Flow of solar energy will be blocked
• D. Rate of decomposition of compounds will be very high

Answer 1

The correct option is A Minerals will be trapped in the dead organisms

Decomposers are organisms like bacteria and fungi that feed on the dead and decaying organic material called detritus.

These organisms secrete digestive juices or enzymes that break the complex organic matter stored in dead and waste material into simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients (minerals). In this way they play an important role in nutrient cycling.

Figure : Decomposition of wood by fungi

If the decomposers are completely removed from an ecosystem, the functioning of the ecosystem will be adversely affected as the nutrient cycling will be blocked. Producers would not have enough nutrients because, from the waste and dead organisms, nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem. Hence option a is correct.

When decomposers are not acting on the dead and decaying material then the rate of decomposition will go down and the waste and dead organisms will pile up. Henc option d is incorrect.

Sun is the ultimate source of energy for synthesis of food in all ecosystems except deep sea hydrothermal ecosystems (hot springs on the sea floor). The producers are able to utilize this energy and prepare their own food which can be consumed by consumers too. The decomposers have no role to play in receiving solar energy from the sun. Hence option c is incorrect.

The producers like plants are able to convert solar energy into chemical energy (food). Herbivores are primary consumers that feed on the producers, they cannot directly utilise the solar energy for food. Hence option b is incorrect.