Question

Decomposers are like the trash collectors and recyclers of the ecosystem. What do you think would happen to an ecosystem without them?

A) It would become more diverse.
B) Nutrients would not be recycled, and the ecosystem would suffer.
C) The ecosystem would become more stable.
D) Decomposers have no impact on ecosystems.

Answer 1

Decomposers are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. Without decomposers, nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem, leading to a shortage of essential nutrients for producers and an overall unstable ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem. Without decomposers, wastes and dead organisms would accumulate, and nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem. This lack of nutrient recycling would lead to a shortage of essential nutrients for producers, which would have a domino effect on the entire food web. Ultimately, an ecosystem without decomposers would suffer and become unstable.