Question 2

What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer

Decomposition is the process of breaking down the substances into the smaller particles or the parts. Decomposition of the decay organic matter like plants, wastage of animals etc. , also known as putrefaction. In the process of decomposition mainly two decomposers are responsible, i.e, bacteria and the fungi. These two organisms breaks the dead organic matter into smaller organic molecules (utilized as nutrients by themselves) or into inorganic compounds which are released into the environment.



Decomposition involves some enzymes for the degradation of organic matter. Mainly 3 steps are involved in this process fragmentation (breakdown of the organic matter into smaller fragments), leaching (fragmented detritus particles like sugar and several nutrients get dissolved in water percolating through the soil and removed due to the leaching process) and the catabolism (release the extracellular enzymes to decompose decay particles into the simpler compounds which are carried out by the decomposers like bacteria and fungi) process occurs.

The decomposition process plays vital role in any ecosystem because it involves the release of the nutrients from the dead matter. If there is no decomposers, all the nutrients would remain locked in the dead remains of plants and the animals, so these will not be available for the indefinite recreation of the living matter. 

 

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