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. (3 points)

Answer 1

If there were no decomposers, the environment would face significant challenges. First, dead plants and animals would accumulate over time, leading to a buildup of waste and organic matter that would suffocate new life and disrupt ecosystems. Second, essential nutrients would become locked in dead organisms, resulting in nutrient-poor soils and reduced plant growth, which could ultimately collapse food chains. Lastly, the imbalance could lead to the overpopulation of certain species, as the natural cycling of materials would be disrupted, causing further ecological instability.