Decomposers

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• To produce food for plants through photosynthesis.

• To break down dead plant and animal material.

• To consume living plants and animals.

• To create new species of organisms.

What are two important functions of decomposers in the environment?

• They create new soil and prevent erosion.

• They clean up dead material and release stored nutrients.

• They provide shelter for small animals and purify water.

• They control the population of predators and prey.

Besides visible organisms like earthworms and mushrooms, what other important decomposers are found everywhere, including inside the human body?

• Viruses

• Microscopic bacteria

• Algae

• Protozoa

How do some types of bacteria help clean up the environment?

• They absorb sunlight to purify water.

• They feed on crude oil from spills.

• They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

• They create new rock formations.

Red worms are great for compost because they can eat _____ times their weight in a week.

• Five

• Three

• Nine

Dung is another word for:

• animal waste

• glucose

• nitrogen

(a)   are important because they keep nutrients cycling through the food chain.