In an ecosystem, what is the role played by decomposers?
They synthesize food by photosynthesis
Decomposers such as saprophytic bacteria and fungi secrete extracellular enzymes onto dead plants, animals and waste, breaking complex organic molecules into simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water, nitrates and phosphates.
These released nutrients return to the soil, water and air, allowing producers (green plants) to reuse them, which closes the biogeochemical cycles that keep the ecosystem functioning.
Decomposers do not photosynthesise, do not directly hand energy to carnivores, and do not regulate soil water; those roles belong to producers, food-chain transfers and physical soil properties respectively.
Note: The functionally correct description of decomposers is that they break down dead organic matter; the recorded key differs, so this item is retained with the official key and marked KEY-DISPUTED.
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