Question

Why are decomposers important in any food chain?

Answer 1

The organic substances (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) from dead bodies of plants and animals are converted into inorganic substances (hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium etc.) by microorganisms. Therefore organisms such as bacteria, fungi, worms come under the category of decomposers who feed on dead and decaying matter and help in cleaning the environment, thus maintaining the balance of ecosystem.