Question

Decomposers break down fallen leaves on the forest floor. When they do this, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and nitrogen to the soil. Which of the following organisms would most likely be decomposers?

A. Squirrels
B. Earthworms
C. Hawks
D. Butterflies

Answer 1

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead matter, returning essential nutrients like carbon and nitrogen to the environment. Bacteria and fungi are typical examples of decomposers, while butterflies are considered consumers, not decomposers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Decomposers play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen back into the soil. These decomposers are crucial for maintaining the stability of ecosystems by ensuring that nutrients are available for use by producers, like plants. Examples of decomposers include bacteria and fungi, which break down everything from fallen leaves to animal remains. They release simple inorganic molecules back into the environment that can be used by producers to make new organic compounds.

Although butterflies are an important part of the ecosystem, they are not decomposers. Instead, they are considered consumers that feed on nectar and do not play a direct role in breaking down dead matter. Rather, organisms like mushrooms growing on a rotting log or bacteria in the soil, which release enzymes to break down complex organic substances into simpler inorganic ones, are the true decomposers in an ecosystem.