Role of Decomposers

A living organism that puts energy and materials from dead  plants and animals back to the soil is called a ____________?

• carnivore

• decomposer

• herbivore

• omnivore

What is the name of the process where the remains of living things rot, decay or break down?

• Disintegration
• Dissolve
• Decomposition
• Recycling

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Which is an example of a decomposer?

• a hawk
• a mouse
• a flower
• a mushroom

Which is considered a decomposer?

• fungi
• mold
• bacteria
• all of the above

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People can help nature recycle plant material by composting. People use compost in their gardens. How does placing compost in your garden improve the natural environment?

• It makes the soil harder.

• It makes the soil unusable.

• It helps keeps the insects away.

• It makes the soil rich in nutrients.

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An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with their physical environment. Why are decomposers an important part of ecosystems?

• They break down dead organisms to return nutrients to the soil.
• They produce their own food for survival.
• They play a role in preventing weathering and erosion.
• They provide most of the energy to consumers.

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Which best describes how decomposers help support life in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers add nutrients to the soil.
• Decomposers provide a habitat in the ecosystem.
• Decomposers add producers to the ecosystem.
• Decomposers provide energy for consumers.

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While hiking through a nearby forest, you find some fungi growing on a tree stump. What role does the fungi play in this forest ecosystem?

• It breaks down dead tree matter.

• It eats living organisms.

• It uses sunlight to produce energy for the tree.

• It produces oxygen that other forest organisms use to survive.

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Use the model to predict how the living things in the ecosystem could be affected during periods of drought.

*Predict how drought could affect the amount of food for each organism shown in the model.

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