Question

In a natural ecosystem, decomposers include

• A. Only microscopic animals
• B. Only bacteria and fungi
• C. The above two types of organisms plus microscopic animals
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Only bacteria and fungi

Bacteria are important decomposers; they are widely distributed and can break down any type of organic matter. The primary decomposers of litter in many ecosystems are fungi. Unlike bacteria, which are unicellular organisms, most saprotrophic fungi grow as a branching network of hyphae. While bacteria are restricted to growing and feeding on the exposed surfaces of organic matter, fungi can use their hyphae to penetrate larger pieces of organic matter. Fungi decompose organic matter by releasing enzymes to break down the decaying material, after which they absorb the nutrients in the decaying material.