Question

Which of the following is/are correct with respect to decomposers in an ecosystem?

• A. herbivores will not receive solar energy
• B. mineral movement will be blocked
• C. the rate of decomposition will be very high
• D. energy flow will be blocked

Answer 1

Answer: (C), (D)

The correct options are
C the rate of decomposition will be very high
D energy flow will be blocked

In an ecosystem, solar energy is trapped by the producers which is converted into suitable chemical energy and transferred to consumers and decomposers in a food chain. Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms. In the process of decomposition, the soil decomposers break down the complex organic matter in plants and animal remains into minerals through the process of mineralisation. These minerals are specifically reused by the plants in an ecosystem as nutrients. Decomposition is an oxygen dependent process, therefore decomposers are active in aerobic conditions.