Question

What are decomposers? What will be the consequence of their absence in an ecosystem?

Answer 1

• Microorganisms, comprising bacteria and fungi, break-down the dead remains and waste products of organisms.
• These microorganisms are the decomposers as they break-down the complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances that go into the soil and are used up once more by the plants. 
• If decomposers are absent in the ecosystem recycling of material in the biosphere will not take place which would lead to accumulation of dead plants and animals in the environment. 
• Additionally, the environment would be finally devoid of all its resources which are needed to maintain and sustain life.