Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 40m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 12m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

General Biology

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains the importance of decomposers in a food web and their relationship to quaternary consumers?

Decomposers are the primary food source for quaternary consumers, forming the base of the food web.

Decomposers recycle nutrients from dead organisms, including those at the quaternary consumer level, making essential elements available to producers and maintaining ecosystem stability.

Decomposers directly compete with quaternary consumers for food resources, limiting the population size of top predators.

Decomposers only break down plant material and do not interact with animal remains from higher trophic levels.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of decomposers in a food web. Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter, including plants and animals, into simpler substances like nutrients and minerals. These nutrients are then recycled back into the ecosystem, making them available to producers (e.g., plants).

Step 2: Analyze the relationship between decomposers and quaternary consumers. Quaternary consumers are top predators in a food web, and when they die, decomposers break down their remains. This process ensures that essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon are returned to the soil or water, supporting the growth of producers.

Step 3: Evaluate the incorrect options. Decomposers are not the primary food source for quaternary consumers, as quaternary consumers typically feed on tertiary consumers. Decomposers do not compete with quaternary consumers for food resources, as their roles in the ecosystem are distinct. Additionally, decomposers break down both plant and animal remains, not just plant material.

Step 4: Recognize the correct explanation. Decomposers recycle nutrients from all trophic levels, including quaternary consumers, and play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem stability by ensuring the continuous flow of nutrients to producers.

Step 5: Connect the importance of decomposers to ecosystem health. Without decomposers, dead organic matter would accumulate, and essential nutrients would not be recycled, disrupting the food web and the balance of the ecosystem.