What do you think would happen if there were no decomposers? Describe 3 effects to the environment in your own words. Your answer should be 3-5 sentences.

Answer 1

If there were no decomposers, organic matter such as dead plants and animals would accumulate, leading to a buildup of waste in ecosystems. This accumulation would disrupt nutrient cycling, as essential elements like nitrogen and phosphorus would remain locked in dead material and unavailable for use by living organisms. As a result, soil fertility would decline, making it difficult for plants to grow and ultimately affecting the entire food chain, as herbivores would struggle to find adequate food sources. Additionally, the environment would likely become increasingly polluted with organic matter, hindering the health of ecosystems and contributing to issues like anaerobic conditions, which could further harm living organisms.