Decomposers

Question 1

What is a Decomposer?

Answer 1

• an organisms that helps to break down dead or decaying organisms?

Question 2

What are the types of decomposers?

Answer 2

• fungi
• worms
• bacteria
• insects

Question 3

What is fungi?

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

What are worms?

Answer 4

• they decompose organic material and produce nutrients like phosphate

Question 5

What is bacteria?

Answer 5

• release important nutrients that organisms absorbed
• release nutrients like nitrogen and carbon into the ecosystem

Question 6

What are insects?

Answer 6

• some feed on dead plants, some feed on dead animals and some feed on excretement

Question 7

What are Detritivores?

Answer 7

• they feed on dead organisms for food

Question 8

What is the difference between a detritivore and a decomposer?

Answer 8

• decomposers break down dead/decaying organisms while detritivores eat them