Question

In three sentences, describe what would happen to ecosystems if decomposers did not exist on Earth. Make sure your explanation includes a definition of decomposers.
short and no points and at a 6th grade level

Answer 1

Decomposers are bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms that break down dead plants and animals and return nutrients to the soil. Without decomposers, dead plants and animals and trash would pile up because nothing would break them down. Nutrients would stay trapped in the waste so plants couldn't get what they need to grow, causing food chains to collapse and many species to die.