Question

A forest ecologist studies how fungi decompose fallen trees and leaves, recycling nutrients back to the soil where living plants can use them. Without fungal decomposition, forest ecosystems would be buried under accumulated dead organic matter. What critical ecosystem service do fungi provide?
Question 8 options:

Decomposition is not important because dead organic matter naturally disappears on its own

Fungi only consume resources and contribute nothing beneficial to ecosystem functioning

Only bacteria can decompose organic matter; fungi play no role in nutrient cycling

Fungi break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients, maintaining ecosystem productivity

Answer 1

Fungi break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients, maintaining ecosystem productivity.