Multiple Choice
Which type of ecological succession typically takes longer to reach a climax community?
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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In the context of an ecosystem, how do decomposers contribute to the food web cycle?
A
They produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
B
They directly provide energy to primary consumers.
C
They act as primary producers by creating organic matter from inorganic substances.
D
They convert dead organic matter into nutrients that can be reused by producers.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of decomposers in an ecosystem: Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic matter into simpler substances.
Recognize that decomposers do not produce oxygen through photosynthesis. This is a function of producers like plants and algae.
Acknowledge that decomposers do not directly provide energy to primary consumers. Primary consumers obtain energy by eating producers.
Clarify that decomposers are not primary producers. Primary producers create organic matter from inorganic substances through processes like photosynthesis.
Conclude that decomposers convert dead organic matter into nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are then available for uptake by producers, thus recycling essential nutrients in the ecosystem.
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