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.
Similar Questions
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
Why are non-biodegradable wastes considered more dangerous than biodegradable wastes?
All of the following are ways to restore Earth’s natural systems EXCEPT, _________.
Consider the following statements and select the correct option.
Statement 1: Food chains in an ecosystem are interlinked to form a food web.
Statement 2: Food webs show the interdependence of organisms.
A conservation biologist is designing a strategy to protect the Nilgiri tahr, which is found only in a specific Indian region. Which approach would be most appropriate for its conservation, based on its classification?
Why is composting considered environmentally beneficial?
Why cannot pesticide residues always be removed from food by washing?
In a garden ecosystem with rose plants, jasmine plants, insects, snake, and birds, which group captures solar energy and converts it into food for other organisms?
Which of the following best describes a food web?
A prolonged drought in a forest causes widespread plant death. Based on the Earth's interconnected spheres, a likely consequence of this is:
Important Questions from Ecology and Environment
Which of the following observations about intermediality are true:
A. The rise in status of landscape painting in the late 18th and 19th centuries influenced the English novelists to depict it in their novels.
B. Non-literary media in different epochs has affected the picturization, the musicalization or the filmization of novels.
C. The 'Gutenberg revolution' is marked by transition form written to oral tradition.
D. Heminge and Candell employed the folio format for the 1623 edition of Shakespeare's plays.
E. The increasing literacy in England made the printing and supply of books costly.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:- Which of these is a part of solid waste management infrastructure?
- The 'Montreal Protocol' was signed to control the emission of __________
- The Paris Agreement is a significant agreement aimed at keeping global warming well below Celsius.
- Geological Survey of India (GSI) organised a Pan-India Walkathon in March 2025 under which theme?
