Decomposers Flashcards
1
Q
What is a Decomposer?
A
- an organisms that helps to break down dead or decaying organisms?
2
Q
What are the types of decomposers?
A
- fungi
- worms
- bacteria
- insects
3
Q
What is fungi?
A
- they break down organic matter by using enzymes to digest the dead material then absorb them
- this requires water so they are found in moist areas
4
Q
What are worms?
A
- they decompose organic material and produce nutrients like phosphate
5
Q
What is bacteria?
A
- release important nutrients that organisms absorbed
- release nutrients like nitrogen and carbon into the ecosystem
6
Q
What are insects?
A
- some feed on dead plants, some feed on dead animals and some feed on excretement
7
Q
What are Detritivores?
A
- they feed on dead organisms for food
8
Q
What is the difference between a detritivore and a decomposer?
A
- decomposers break down dead/decaying organisms while detritivores eat them
