What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?
Decomposers are microorganisms comprising bacteria and fungi that break down the dead remains and waste products of organisms. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances that go into the soil.
These inorganic substances are then used up once more by the plants. In the absence of decomposers, garbage, dead animals and plants would accumulate, and the natural replenishment of the soil would not take place. Thus, decomposers help maintain the balance in nature by recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly defines decomposers as microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that break down dead remains and waste products. Their role is to convert complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances, which return to the soil and are reused by plants. Without decomposers, natural replenishment of soil would not occur, and dead matter would accumulate.