Question

Some organisms help break down the organic matter present in dead organisms. This helps to maintain the nutrient levels in an ecosystem. Which best describes the role of these organisms in nature?
A.
prey

B.
scavenger

C.
decomposer

D.
consumer

Answer 1

C. decomposer

Decomposers (e.g., bacteria and fungi) chemically break down dead organisms and waste, returning nutrients to the soil and maintaining ecosystem nutrient cycles. Scavengers eat dead animals but don't perform the chemical breakdown; prey are eaten by predators; consumers eat living or dead matter but the specific nutrient-recycling role is that of decomposers.