Question

What is the role played by the decomposers in an ecosystem?

Answer 1

1. Decomposers break down the bodies of dead organisms into simple nutrients without directly eating them.
2. They are called saprotrophs. (Sapros means ‘rotten’.)
3. Fungi and bacteria are examples of decomposers.
4. Decomposition of organic matter helps to return nutrients to the environment.
5. Without decomposers, there will be no decompositions of dead plants and animals.
6. Without the decomposition process, the waste will keep piling upon the earth’s surface.
7. The soil will not be able to regain nutrients, and thus there will not be the growth of plants.
8. It will lead to the odour and formation of poisonous gases in the environment.
9. Every biotic and abiotic factor is interlinked with each other.
10. Hence, leading to the destruction of the planet.