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Decomposers break down dead, dying, or decaying organic material (e.g. dead animals) into their original organic components - Carbon, phosphates, nitrates, etc. and returns them to the soil. They can then be used by producers/autotrophs for growth, and are passed on to consumers, etc.

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What happens when a squirrel dies and how does it impact its ecosystem?

When a squirrel dies, its body decomposes and provides nutrients for other organisms in the ecosystem. This process helps to recycle nutrients and support the food chain. Additionally, the absence of the squirrel may affect the population dynamics of predators and prey in the ecosystem.


How do decomposer help the eosystem recycle nutrients when a tree dies?

The decomposers like fungi break down the organic matter into much smaller pieces so that other plants can use them again as nutrients.


What breaks down living matter once it dies?

an ecosystem


Why are decomposers essential for the continuation of life on earth?

Decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the ecosystem, which is essential for the growth of new plants and sustaining the food chain. Without decomposers, nutrients would remain locked in dead organic matter, leading to a decrease in soil fertility and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. Ultimately, decomposers help recycle nutrients and support the continuation of life on Earth.


When an organism dies the substances in its body are what by other organisms?

When an organism dies, its body is broken down and decomposed by other organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and scavengers. These organisms help recycle the nutrients from the dead organism back into the ecosystem.


In ecosystem decomposes break down dead or decaying organisms returning nutrients to the soil to be used by plants?

when the nuorganism dies the nutrient cant move or be doing what is normal does it doesnt have the power to do it


Are grassland animals decomposers?

No, grassland animals are not decomposers. Decomposers are organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic matter into simpler substances to recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Grassland animals are typically herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores that consume living plant or animal material for energy.


What happens to nutrients inside a living thing when it dies in a rain forest?

The decomposers in the forest will take all the nutrients from the animal and return it back to the soil for it to be used again.


Do bacteria or fungi decompose cougars?

Both bacteria and fungi can decompose cougars. When a cougar dies, bacteria and fungi break down the organic matter through biochemical processes, returning nutrients to the environment. These decomposers play a vital role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and breaking down organic material.


Does earths ecosystem recycle?

Yes, Earth's ecosystem is a self-sustaining system that recycles nutrients, energy, and elements through processes such as the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and other biogeochemical cycles. This recycling is essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and supporting the diverse life forms on Earth.


Who benefits most directly from decomposers?

Decomposers (or saprotrophs) are organisms that consume dead organisms, and, in doing so, carry out the natural process of decomposition. Like herbivores and predators, decomposers are heterotrophic, meaning that they use organic substrates to get their energy, carbon and nutrients for growth and development. Decomposers use deceased organisms and nonliving organic compounds as their food source. The primary decomposers are bacteria and fungi. [edit] Importance of the function in the ecosystem When a plant or animal dies, it leaves behind nutrients and energy in the organic material that comprised its body. Scavenger and detritivores can feed on the carcasses or litter, but they will inevitably leave behind a considerable amount of unused energy and nutrients. Unused energy and nutrients will be present both in the unconsumed portions (bones, feathers or fur in the case of animals, wood and other indigestable litter in the case of plants) and in the feces of the scavengers and detritivores. Decomposers complete decomposition by breaking down this remaining organic matter. Decomposers eventually convert all organic matter into carbon dioxide (which they respire) and nutrients. This releases raw nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium) in a form usable to plants and algae, which incorporate the chemicals into their own cells. This process resupplies nutrients to the ecosystem, in turn allowing for greater primary production. An example of a decomposer is saprotrophic fungus; it breaks down dead trees, harvesting the energy stored therein. Although decomposers are generally located on the bottom of ecosystem diagrams such as food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids, decomposers in the biosphere are crucial to the environment. By breaking down dead material, they provide the nutrients that other organisms need to survive. As decomposers feed on dead organisms, they leave behind nutrients. These nutrients become part of the soil. Therefore, more plants can grow. [edit] Importance of the function in the ecosystem When a plant or animal dies, it leaves behind nutrients and energy in the organic material that comprised its body. Scavenger and detritivores can feed on the carcasses or litter, but they will inevitably leave behind a considerable amount of unused energy and nutrients. Unused energy and nutrients will be present both in the unconsumed portions (bones, feathers or fur in the case of animals, wood and other indigestable litter in the case of plants) and in the feces of the scavengers and detritivores. Decomposers complete decomposition by breaking down this remaining organic matter. Decomposers eventually convert all organic matter into carbon dioxide (which they respire) and nutrients. This releases raw nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium) in a form usable to plants and algae, which incorporate the chemicals into their own cells. This process resupplies nutrients to the ecosystem, in turn allowing for greater primary production. An example of a decomposer is saprotrophic fungus; it breaks down dead trees, harvesting the energy stored therein. Although decomposers are generally located on the bottom of ecosystem diagrams such as food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids, decomposers in the biosphere are crucial to the environment. By breaking down dead material, they provide the nutrients that other organisms need to survive. As decomposers feed on dead organisms, they leave behind nutrients. These nutrients become part of the soil. Therefore, more plants can grow


Decomposers play an important role in which matter cycle?

cycling of mattter is the amounts of nutrients available on Earth, it is to be recycled in order to ensure the extistance of biotics. After a plant or an animal dies, it leaves nutrients behind which is mixed with soil and becomes a part of the biosphere. The nutrients in the soil mixed with gases(o2...)is called nitrogen cycle.