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Multiple Choice
In a food web, how are the wastes produced by decomposers recycled back into the ecosystem?
A
They are absorbed directly by producers as nutrients.
B
They are consumed by herbivores as part of their diet.
C
They are stored in the bodies of carnivores.
D
They are converted into inorganic substances that can be used by plants.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of decomposers: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter and waste products, converting them into simpler inorganic substances.
Identify the process of decomposition: During decomposition, complex organic materials are broken down into simpler compounds, such as carbon dioxide, water, and mineral nutrients.
Recognize the conversion to inorganic substances: The decomposition process results in the release of inorganic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
Connect to the ecosystem cycle: These inorganic nutrients are then absorbed by plants through their roots, allowing them to synthesize organic compounds necessary for their growth and development.
Acknowledge the recycling in the food web: By converting waste into usable nutrients, decomposers play a crucial role in recycling matter within the ecosystem, supporting the growth of producers and maintaining the balance of the food web.