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Multiple Choice
What role do decomposers play in a food web?
A
They are top predators that control herbivore populations.
B
They produce energy through photosynthesis.
C
They are primary consumers that eat plants.
D
They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a food web: A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow through different organisms.
Identify the role of decomposers: Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead or decaying organisms. They play a crucial role in recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Distinguish decomposers from other roles: Unlike producers, which generate energy through photosynthesis, or consumers, which eat other organisms, decomposers focus on breaking down organic matter.
Recognize the importance of nutrient recycling: Decomposers convert organic matter into simpler substances, releasing nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil, which are essential for plant growth.
Connect decomposers to ecosystem health: By recycling nutrients, decomposers help maintain the balance and sustainability of ecosystems, ensuring that energy and matter continue to flow through the food web.