Question

State with reason any two possible consequences of the elimination of decomposers from the earth.

Answer 1

Decomposers are the organisms that break down the complex organic compounds in the dead remains of the plants and animals into simpler inorganic substances. Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes etc. If these are eliminated from the earth, there would be following two consequences:

1. Dead remains and organic waste would continue to accumulate in the environment. This would be polluting the water bodies and soil ecosystem.
2. As the organic compounds would not be degraded, the plants would not get the inorganic nutrients from the soil. The nutrient cycle would not complete and the deficiency of nutrients would hamper productivity of plants.